Organizers begin planning annual Christmas parade
Event to be held on Friday, Dec. 3
Plans are being made for the annual Forrest City Area Community Christmas Parade, which is just over a month away.
The event, sponsored by the Forrest City Advertising and Promotion Commission, will be held Friday, Dec. 3, beginning at 7 p.m.
“Last year’s parade was quite successful, with the participation of over 70 entrants,” said parade organizers.
The parade theme for this year is “Home for the Holidays.” This year’s grand marshal has yet to be determined.
The process will be similar to previous parades in which all floats will be judged prior to the start of the parade so that winners will be able to display their trophy and banner announcing their category and place while traveling the parade route.
Parade participants are required to be in place no later than 6 p.m., at the Forrest City Junior High School parking lot to compete. Participants are also encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines. Portable toilets will be available for participants.
First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in each category. Floats will be divided into four categories: industrial/commercial, churches, civic groups and novelty. Those who arrive late may still participate in the parade, but they will not be judged in the competition.
“To enter the competition as a float, there must be a trailer attached to the vehicle or pulling mechanism,” said organizers. “For example, a decorated car will not serve as a float. Due to safety concerns no candy or other items can be thrown, but they may be passed out along the parade route.”
Although motorcycles and ATVs will be allowed this year, horses will not. Antique tractors, classic cars and trucks (25 years or older) are also allowed to enter, but no ‘burn outs’ or ‘hot rods’ will be allowed.
“Parade officials, volunteers and law enforcement officers have the authority to remove anyone from the parade route for conduct not conducive to a positive community atmosphere,” said organizers. “Parade officials reserve the right to bar entrance to any participant not following the parade guidelines.”
Those planning to enter the parade must have their entry forms turned in at the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce no later than Monday, Nov. 29.
The parade’s route will be the same as in years past. The parade will begin at the junior high school parking lot. From there, it will travel east on Victoria
(Continued from Page 1) Street, turn right onto Division Street and left onto Arkansas Street. The parade will then turn right onto Washington Street and continue south to Hill Street where it will travel two blocks west to Grant Street and end at the Grant Street parking lot.
“We hope people from all over the area will join us for our annual Community Christmas Parade,” said organizers. “It’s a great time for the entire family and a chance to enjoy the holiday season.”