Registration for Christmas parade, contest has begun

Registration is open for the 31st annual Main Street Texarkana Christmas Parade and the Festival of Trees tree-decorating contest and fundraiser.

The parade is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and will follow the traditional Broad Street route. The theme is A Magical Christmas. Entrants are urged to incorporate it into float designs, which must be lighted. Entry applications are available at mainstreettexarkana.org and due Nov. 27.

Clydesdales will carry Santa Claus in the parade this year, and the camels will be back.

Vendor areas will open at 4 p.m. The farmers’ market at Texas Boulevard and Third Street will have holiday crafts, jams and jellies and Christmas trees for sale and live music. Front Street Festival Plaza on the Arkansas side will offer refreshments and handmade holiday items.

The Festival of Trees returns, this year serving as a fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations. Brandy Chewning with the city’s Public Works Department said residents suggested last year that it be a fundraiser, and the city aims to make it “a fun way to support some great causes this holiday season.”

Agencies, businesses and individuals may decorate and donate an artificial tree and name a nonprofit group to benefit. The trees will be auctioned on Main Street Texarkana’s Facebook page; all proceeds go to designated groups. Facebook Likes of tree photos will be tallied to determine who gets the Most Popular Tree trophy.

Applications are at arkansas. txkusa.org and are due Nov. 13. Trees must be placed and decorated by Nov. 20.

Pre-owned artificial trees in good condition can be donated for participants at the city recycling center, 2601 Dudley St., and the city can provide tax receipts for donations. Participants can pick up donated trees from the recycling center. Call 870-7794946 for more information.