Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Christmas on Square deadlines nearing

Anyone planning to enter a float in the annual Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade needs to hurry up and do so.

The theme of this year's parade is "An American Christmas", with the event scheduled for Dec. 11.

There will be seven divisions for this year's parade, Mary Godwin, Chamber director, said, with prize money in each category.

For the float group, first place will receive $125, with second place getting $100. The prize for finishing third is $75, with fourth place bringing in $50. The float finishing fifth will get $50.

The best mini-float will earn a cool $50, while the best decorated animal, four wheeler/golf card or bicycle will receive $10 in cash.

The winning car or truck will get $25.

The float selected as having the best theme will get to keep the traveling trophy for a year.

The parade, as always, will kick off Christmas on the Square in Prescott.

Following the parade, there will be entertainment on the steps of the Nevada County Courthouse, along with the first chance for children to talk with Santa about what they want for Christmas.

There will also be concession stands, including plenty of hot chocolate as the evening will likely be chilly.

One of the more popular segments of Christmas on the Square is the ping pong ball avalanche. For the third year, ping pong balls will be dumped on the crowd, with each ball being marked with a discount from a local business.

The Christmas season wouldn't be complete without the annual best decorated business window contest, or the parade of homes holiday lighting contest.

Godwin said the Chamber will have a Christmas tree at the Capital in Little Rock once again. The tree from Nevada County has been recognized as being the best decorated in the past.

Those wanting to enter a float, bicycle, animal, four-wheeler or golf cart in the parade may do so by contacting the Chamber at 887-2101.

Following Christmas on the Square, Godwin said, will be a new holiday event for Prescott and Nevada County  a live nativity.

The nativity scene will be at the Nevada County Fairgrounds by the Potlatch Building, and will depict the story of Christmas. It will be Dec. 14-15, from 7-9 p.m. each day.

Then comes a favorite for the little ones  Breakfast with Santa.

Youngsters can come by and have breakfast with St. Nick at the Potlatch Building on Dec. 22.

There will be several events, still being planned, for the patrons.

No start time has been scheduled for Breakfast with Santa.