Santa Claus is coming to De Soto two evenings in row to celebrate the annual Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and the 97th annual Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
The Tree Lighting will be held at City Hall, 17 Boyd St.
Sarah Greenlee, office coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce which sponsors the events, said Santa Claus and the Grinch will be present. There also will be free cookies and hot chocolate, a performance by the De Soto High School choir and a chance for two children to win a sled, she said.
Greenlee said Don and Pat Schaeffer of D & S Fencing Co. will be this year’s tree lighters.
“D & S Fencing Co. Inc. is one of the chamber’s biggest supporters for as many years as I can remember,” Greenlee said. “Don and Pat are now retired, but we still wanted to honor them for their generosity.”
Participating businesses will have extended shopping hours for the chamber’s first Elf Scavenger Hunt for children from infant to age 18. Greenlee said children can receive a scavenger hunt card at the Tree Lighting.
“Kids will receive a card (with) participating businesses and (children) write in what the elf is doing at each location,” she said.
As of Monday, she said, the list of participating businesses was not complete.
“Cards need to be turned into the elf at the Arlington Event Center (207 E. Main St.) by 8 p.m. (Friday). We will draw a name from the completed forms to win a special enchanted prize.”
There will be free activities at the Arlington Event Center.
“Santa will be visiting the Arlington immediately following the Tree Lighting until 8 p.m.,” she said. “He may even be bringing his reindeer. There will be lots of activities and a vendor fair at the Arlington.”
The Christmas parade will be held the following evening with the Schaeffers as grand marshals. The theme is Winter Wonderland. The route will start in front of Mahn Funeral Home, 900 N. Main St., continue along Main Street to St. Louis Street and then end at J.C. Culwell Stadium behind De Soto High School.
“We proudly run a long parade, and we are especially grateful to our community who always shows up with overwhelming, amazing participation each year,” Greenlee said. “Just one friendly reminder for attendees though. The official ending of the parade is marked by Santa and his fleet of reindeer, followed by the festive horses bringing up the finale. So, be sure to stick around for its entirety. You won’t be disappointed.”
There are normally about 150 entries in the parade, Greenlee said.
The deadline to register to enter the parade is Monday, Nov. 31, and all entries must preregister and prepay. The cost to enter is $15. To register, email desotomo_chamber@yahoo.com or call 636-586-5591. Registered participants will receive an email about where to go for the 5 p.m. lineup.
Trophies will be awarded for “Best Adherence to Theme” and “Most Creative” floats.
Greenlee said Santa will visit De Soto a few more times this Christmas season. Santa will be at The Gathering Room, 116 N. Main St., from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, and at Mercantile @ Main, 602 S. Main St., from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.
“We can’t wait to kick off the holiday season with our traditional family-friendly community festivities,” Greenlee said.