Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade applications open

The Graham Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for its annual lighted Christmas parade until Wednesday, Nov 27.

The “A Very Merry Gingerbread Christmas” parade will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, with lineup starting at 4 p.m. and judging occurring at 6 p.m.

According to the parade entry guideline form, entries can be a float, marching group, trailer, horse or other approved vehicle.

“All vehicles are to be approved by the parade committee and operated by a person 16 years and older,” the form reads. “Any go-cart type entry and/or dancers must be approved at least seven days in advance and notification of that type of entry must be made in advance to stage them away from the animals.”

Every individual participating on a float will be required to sign a waiver.

Those in the parade will be not be allowed to throw candy, souvenirs or promotional items from an entry. Those in vehicles may not rev their engine or perform a wheelie or burnout. Entries using a generator must have a fully functional fire extinguisher on the entry. No firecrackers, fireworks or discharging of firearms will be allowed.

Entries must check in at the intersection of Second and Grove Street. Fourth Street will be closed and First Street is suggested as an alternate route.

Vehicles are not to be unattended during lineup as they may need to be moved. Entries are required to move continuously along the parade route. Group wishing to stop and perform in front of the announcer stage must receive prior permission and sign additional paperwork.

Entries should keep speeds to three miles per hour during the parade and a two foot distance between floats. Headlights should be turned off unless otherwise instructed by a parade marshall.

“Parade entries and participants are not allowed to have alcohol in the staging area and along the parade route,” the form reads. “Committee reserves the right to remove anyone believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at any time.”

Participants walking in the parade must be over the age of six, those under six-years-old must be on a float.

Applications can be turned in by email to lisa@grahamtexas, or by mail or in person at the Graham Chamber of Commerce located 608 Elm St. For more information, call the chamber of commerce at 940-549-3355.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Nov. 20 edition of The Graham Leader.