Lighting up the night: Christmas parade, stroll, Hot Chocolicious next week

The Graham Chamber of Commerce ‘Hallmark in my Hometown’ Christmas parade and stroll and Hot Chocolicious events are kicking off the holiday season in Graham next week on the downtown square.

The night of festivities will be held Thursday, Nov. 30 with the stroll from 5-7 p.m. and the lighted parade starting at 7 p.m. The Hot Chocolicious event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m.

Christmas Parade, Stroll

The Christmas events begin with a new addition which will be the downtown lighting ceremony. Mayor Alex Heartfield will flip a switch at 6 p.m. which will light all of the holiday lights and decorations on the square at once.

During the stroll a number of activities will be available, such as a craft zone at the arch and free train rides at Second and Elm Street.

Over 30 entries have signed up to be a part of this year's lighted parade. The entries in the parade are scored by a panel of judges. The chamber is looking to partner with other adjoining community chambers to be judges.

The parade line up will begin at 4 p.m. on West Street and closes at 6:30 p.m. The parade will start on Fourth Street and turn down Elm Street south to First Street. The parade will go north on Oak Street and head back down West Street.

Hot Chocolicious

During the Hot Chocolicious event, teams of junior high students are set up on the downtown square with booths selling hot chocolate and other various goodies in support of area nonprofits. Since 2016, the program has raised over $30,000 for area nonprofit organizations.

The program has student teams organize a hot chocolate business, build a stand and display their products for sale. The teams pick a nonprofit organization which they build their business around.

The students met with local bank representatives during a “Shark Tank” event Thursday, Nov. 16. The students presented their business plan and why their business deserved a loan of $300.

Hot Chocolicious uses Cocoa Cash for all purchases which can be purchased at a booth during the stroll starting at 5 p.m. Teams will serve hot chocolate from 5:30-7 p.m. this year to allow students who are on the teams to participate in the parade.

After raising the money during the event, the chamber will announce the winners and host a new program this year about the business side of the competition. Students will break down their business plan with Ciera Bank Regional President Chris Blanton.