Last year, after decades of it being a pre-Thanksgiving event, Christmas in the Village was moved to the first weekend of December. The two-week shift proved successful enough in reviving the lagging festival that this year Christmas in the Village will again be held the first weekend of December. The lighted parade will be Friday December 2nd at 6:30 pm and the next day, Saturday December 3rd, will feature the Craft Shows, Lunch with Santa, the Christmas Home Tour and the Co- Op Pre-School Chili Cook Off.

As in previous years, a flyer will be created listing local businesses, churches, artists and crafters who will be selling their wares on Saturday December 3. This year, the Chamber of Commerce is paying for everyone’s inclusion in the flyer so there will be no charge to be included. If you would like to be in the flyer, please email steelegrafixllc@yahoo.com.

In past Christmas in the Village parades, all Klager students were invited to ride on trailers with their classmates by grade in the parade. Parade organizer Denise Collins stated, “We will also be trying something different this year with the parade. We want the children to have a choice to either enjoy the parade as a spectator or be part of the parade.” Instead of participating by class, both student and adult organizations and clubs, and even local businesses, are encouraged to make a lighted float and participate in the the parade. Parents are responsible or supervising their children on the floats as no adult supervision will be provided before or during the parade. As in past years, no candy can be thrown from floats.

The Chamber will be holding a contest for the best lighted floats in two categories. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for floats by school-aged children or school groups or clubs. All other floats will be judged against each other and will be awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons. Click here for more information: christmas-businesses and here for the registration form: 2-page-form-for-parade-2016

Organizers are in need of volunteers. If you are interested in helping or have ideas, email Collins at lodisepark@sbcglobal.net or attend the next Christmas in the Village meeting which will be Wednesday, October 19, at 6 pm at Franks Place.