The Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce intends to hold its 72nd annual Christmas Parade on Monday, Nov. 30, although the COVID-19 pandemic could affect those plans.
“We’re hoping to do this. Things could change. We will abide by what our Health Department says at the time,” Chamber Administrator Tonda Breeze said. “But, because it’s an outside event, we are planning for it and hoping people will continue to social distance and wear their masks, and we will keep an eye on the situation up to the night of the parade. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed.”
If the parade goes on, it will be held along Bailey Road in Crystal City and Main Street in Festus.
The deadline for groups to register an entry in the parade is Friday.
Participants will be asked to begin lining up for the parade at 6 p.m. and start time is 7 p.m., Breeze said.
“We have a theme. It’s Winter Nights & Magical Lights,” she said.
In a normal year, the parade has 75 to 100 parade entrants, including floats, motor vehicles and bands, Breeze said.
“I have no idea how many we might have this year,” she said. “We sent out a letter to previous parade participants and as of right now (Tuesday), we have 31 entries. We also have two marching bands committed, the Crystal City, Festus and Jefferson high school bands.
“I know the Jefferson R-7 Fire Protection District said they would participate.”
For more information or to register an entry, visit the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or go to the organization’s website at twincitychamber.com.