Christmas parades are scheduled in area cities
Christmas parade themes and schedules have been announced for many cities. Registration is under way, and deadlines are approaching.
JACKSONVILLE PARADE SATURDAY, DEC. 5
The 52nd Jacksonville Christmas parade will take place on Main Street at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. This year’s theme will be “Christmas in Toyland.”
All parade floats must be decorated for the Christmas season and preferably related to the theme. The entry fee is $10.
Entries may not contain any type of Santa Claus; all vehicles and floats must be decorated.
Candy or other items may not be thrown from floats.
Call 501-982-1511 or e-mail events@jacksonville-arkansas.com for more information.
BEEBE PARADE SATURDAY, DEC. 5
Beebe’s Christmas parade will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
The event is sponsored by the chamber of commerce.
This year’s theme is “Christmas Stories.” The entry fee is $10. Parade floats will be judged at 5:30 p.m.
Awards will be given in four categories: civic, commercial, educational and religious.
Entry forms are due by Monday, Nov. 30.
Participants are asked to make a lighted parade float that is safe for those riding in it as well as for those watching the parade.
Contact the chamber at 501-882-813 for entry forms.
WARD PARADE SATURDAY, DEC. 5
Ward’s Christmas parade will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Participants will line up at 4 p.m.
After the parade, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony at city hall.
Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served in the city gym with an auction hosted by the Back Alley Youth Center.
Entry applications for the parade are available at the reception office at Ward City Hall.
For more information, call 501-843-7686.
SHERWOOD PARADE SUNDAY, DEC. 6
Sherwood’s Christmas parade will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.
This year’s theme is “The Stars of Christmas.” The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 30.
The event is sponsored by the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 501-835-7600.
CABOT PARADE SUNDAY, DEC. 13
Cabot’s Christmas parade will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13.
This year’s theme is “A Red, White and Blue Christmas.” Participants are asked to select an idea or image that best represents their favorite memory or interpretation of this Christmas theme and use it to design their float.
Entry forms, parade rules and route maps will be available at the Veterans Park Community Center, the chamber of commerce office or online at www.cabotparks.net.
The deadline to enter is Saturday, Dec. 5.
Completed forms and $10 entry fees should be sent to Cabot Christmas Parade, P.O. Box 1101 Cabot, Ark. 72023.
Businesses, civic groups and churches are encouraged to participate.
Trophies will be awarded in five categories: school or civic group, church, business, animal or equestrian and general or personal.
The parade will march down South Pine Street and Hwy. 89 beginning at Panther Trail and continue north past Knight’s shopping center. It will make a left turn onto Pond Street and end at Central Elementary School.
The awards ceremony will take place immediately following the parade at Knight’s grocery store. For more information about the parade call 501-920-2122 or e-mail cabotbeautiful@yahoo.com.
HOLIDAY COLLECTION DRIVE FOR VETERANS
The Jacksonville Museum of Military History, the Major Jacob Gray Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Mt. Tabor Methodist Church in Cabot are collecting Christmas gifts for the Arkansas Veterans Home in Little Rock.
The collection drive will continue through Friday, Dec. 18.
Collection bins are located at Jacksonville Museum of Military History and Mt. Tabor Methodist Church.
Items like underwear, T-shirts, socks, suspenders, pajamas, sweatshirts, pants, slippers, combs, nail clippers, disposable razors, shaving items, bath soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, board games, puzzles, playing cards, books and movies (VHS or DVD) with western themes and sugar-free candy are needed.
For more information call 501-241-1943 or e-mail dkduggermilitarymuseum@centurytel.net.
NIXON LIBRARY'S OPEN HOUSE IS DEC. 5
The Esther Dewitt Nixon Library in Jacksonville will have a holiday open house from noon until 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
There will be cookies, hot cocoa, door prizes and there’s a promise of holiday fun.
Those who attend the open house can view the parade afterwards, which begins at 1 p.m. and proceeds down Main Street.
The library is located at 703 W. Main St.
MILITARY MUSEUM OPEN FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING
The Jacksonville Museum of Military History will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving so bring your holiday guests for a tour.
Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for military and seniors, $1 for children ages 6-18, and children under 6 are free.
CABOT'S SANTA SHACK WILL OPEN FRIDAY
Cabot City Beautiful will hold its 13th annual Santa Shack at the Cabot Walmart from Friday through Wednesday, Dec. 23.
Children will receive free candy canes.
Photos with Santa will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Fridays; from 9 to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. on Sundays
JUNIOR AUXILIARY NOW COLLECTING CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The Jacksonville Junior Auxiliary is working to brighten Christmas for 100 students in the area through its Christmas Wish program.
The public can show its generosity by buying presents for children in need. People may pledge gifts at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Interior Works and Double R Florist and Gifts. The program will continue through Friday, Dec. 4.
LONOKE'S BOOK NOOK HOLDS HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER
The Book Nook, Lonoke County Literacy Council’s used book store, is holding a fundraiser book sale now through Thursday, Dec. 3. Books of all kinds will be available for just 25 cents each.
The Book Nook is located behind the Lonoke County Courthouse in Lonoke. Call 501-843-7323 or 501-676-7478 for more information.
CHURCH IS DISTRIBUTING FAMILY PACKETS THIS WEEK
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Jacksonville will distribute free family-happiness packets during the week of Thanksgiving to help strengthen families.
The effort is part of the church’s national family week. Call 501-812-6322 for more information.
AARP DRIVING COURSE FOR SENIORS CHANGES VENUES
Jacksonville’s AARP driver safety courses will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 2403 McArthur Dr., beginning Jan. 20.
The courses will no longer be held at First Arkansas Bank and Trust.
The classes cost $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Call 501-982-4891 to register.
CENTERSTAGE PLAYHOUSE VARIETY SHOW IS SATURDAY
CenterStage Playhouse in Cabot will stage a variety show on Saturday featuring musical numbers, comedy skits and more from local talent.
The lineup includes a performance by Darrell Tullos of the Hallelujah Harmony Quartet and a recitation of “The Tales of Rindercella” by Doug Morris.
The show includes a downhome dinner of beans, cornbread and peach cobbler. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 501-941-2266.
