It is time once again to start thinking about the Christmas Light Parade. Last year, Brownfield held its first-ever Christmas Light Parade and to say it was a success would be a huge understatement. There were way more entries than expected and a tremendous crowd out to see the lighted spectacle.
Planners have been working hard on this year’s parade to make it even better than last year. Event planner Gina Kelly stated, “We really had no idea what to expect last year and we were so pleasantly surprised. We took lots of notes and learned a bit and have an even better plan for this year.”
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 4. “People ask why we have it on Mondays. The simple answer is that there is just not another day available. We have fewer conflicts with church, school, and everything else on Monday,” stated Kelly.
As with last year, registration is free. Registration is taking place this year at the Kendrick Memorial Library on West Tate. They have the forms there and your position in the parade will be assigned as you sign up. No walkers are allowed in the parade, as the parade has to move along at a speed of five miles per hour. Also, no candy will be thrown, due to the darkness and the number of people. “It is just too dangerous for kids to be chasing down candy in the dark, and we want our kids to be safe,” stated Angie Garza, another event planner.
All vehicles are required to have Christmas lighting on the vehicle. The more the better. Trailers are allowed, as are trucks, pickups, cars, tractors, maintainers, golf carts, virtually any vehicle that can travel at over 5 mph is allowed. No live Santas or Mrs. Claus are allowed, as Santa will be on a fire truck at the end of the parade. Christmas music is encouraged!
December 1, at 5 p.m. will be the deadline to enter the parade. The deadline to enter will be strictly enforced this year.
Prizes will be awarded for: Best Business entry, Best Organization entry, Best Individual entry, and Best Overall entry. Also, a prize will be given for the Best Business Storefront along the parade route.
The route is almost a reversal of the Harvest Festival Parade route. Entries will line up on the road behind the amphitheater. Upon leaving the park, the parade will travel down the highway and turn west onto Broadway. It will go down Broadway to 6th Street and turn north, then turn east and head up Main. On 3rd Street, next to First Baptist Church, all entries will turn and head north to end the parade. The fire truck holding Santa and Mrs. Claus will continue back around to deliver the famous couple on the east side of The Square.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting children and getting their wish lists inside the Courthouse. “Last year, there was such a long line to see Santa and nothing for the kids to do while they waited. So, this year, we will have various stations set up on the Courthouse lawn, as well as food vendors and other vendors on Broadway. This way you can do other things while you wait your turn to see Santa,” stated Garza. Also, in the Courthouse, the Brownfield Police Department will be serving hot chocolate and the County is providing cookies. Look for photo spots all around!
When your child visits with the Claus couple, only the Brownfield News and TownTalk photographers will be taking pictures. It slows the line down when too many people are trying to take pictures, organizers determined.
Food vendors, as well as crafts and story time areas will be scattered around, along with hopefully some live music being performed. Look for more information as the time grows closer. Fifth Street, and Sixth Street from Main to Tate, and Broadway will be closed from 4th Street to 6th Street after the parade.
Planners are asking that no one park in the park. Trailers should be loaded prior to getting in line, if possible. “When there are that many people dropping off kids, or parking to be on a float, it just gets way too congested,” stated City Manager and event planner Jeff Davis. “We are asking people to plan to pick up their kids near the First Baptist Parking lot. First Baptist and The Crossing Church have both generously offered their lots as a drop off and pick up location. Tommy Rosenblad, pastor of First Baptist stated the church would have vans available if shuttle buses are needed.
Get registered and start planning your entry, or make plans to be on the sidewalks watching the fun! Be a part of the most wonderful night of the year!
