Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Chamber preparing for annual Christmas in Prescott events

Christmas is right around the corner, and with it comes the annual holiday events sponsored by the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is sponsoring the 2002 Parade of Homes for those inside the city limits and throughout the county. These are separate contests.

Those interested in competing must first fill out a registration form and have it turned in before Dec. 6. The entry forms may be picked up at the Chamber office.

Judging will be done Saturday, Dec. 7. It is asked the displays be lighted and ready for judging from 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Judging will be based on originality, creativity and presentation. Winners will be judged on the appearance of the exterior of their home and yard.

Winners will be announced Dec. 10, at Christmas on the Square, and will have a sign displayed in their yard for the rest of the month and receive a certificate.

There is no entry fee for these contests.

The criteria for these contests are: best lighted display, which consists of lights as the main attraction; best unlighted display, with decorations being the focal point and minimal lighting used; and best theme, with judging bases on all decorations being tied to a central theme.

The judges, according to Mary Godwin, executive director of the Chamber, will decide which category homes fit in.

Homeowners aren't the only ones who can compete with holiday decorations. The Chamber is also sponsoring the best decorated window contest for businesses.

Again, there is no entry fee for the contest, as it is to promote local businesses and their merchandise for the holiday season.

Those businesses wanting to enter should call the Chamber at 887-2101.

The deadline for entering is Dec. 5, with judging to take place Dec. 6.

The winner will be announced at Christmas on the Square Dec. 10, and get their business name on a traveling plaque to be displayed in the business for the coming year.

This will be followed by the annual Christmas parade and Christmas on the Square Dec. 10.

Registration and line-up for the parade will be from 4-4:45 p.m. on Dec. 10, with all entries to be lined up at 4:45 for the judging at 5 o'clock.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m., with this year's theme being "Lights, Camera, Christmas."

There are seven divisions in the parade.

The first is for floats nine feet long and longer. This category will have five prizes, with first place taking home $125. The second place finisher will receive $100, with third getting $75. Fourth and fifth will get $50 and $25 respectively.

Next is the mini-floats, for those entries eight feet and under. There will be one $50 prize awarded.

Then comes the best decorated car/truck, with a $10 prize.

This division is followed by the best decorated bicycle, then four wheeler/golf cart and best dressed animal. A prize of $10 will go to the victor in each group.

The final category is best theme, with the winner getting a traveling trophy.

Floats will line up at West Second and Vine by the First United Methodist Church, with the route following Highway 67 South, turning left on Elm and ending at the Nevada County Courthouse.

Winners in the different divisions for the float competition will be announced at Christmas on the Square, with checks presented at this time.

Those interested in participating are asked to turn their forms in by Friday, Dec. 6, and include a description of their entry for the radio and television broadcasts.