Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Christmas on the Square, parade are set

Ready or not, it's time for Christmas in Nevada County.

The Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce will again sponsor the Christmas parade, Christmas on the Square and the live nativity. In addition, the Chamber is again doing the best decorated window contest as well as the parade of homes.

Christmas on the Square and the Christmas parade will be held Monday, Dec. 6, while the live nativity will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The theme of the Christmas parade is "Christmas Wishes".

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Chamber, said volunteers are needed for the nativity, and asks individuals, church groups, civic clubs, schools and other organizations interested to contact her at the Chamber, 887-2101. The nativity is done every other year. Admission to the event will be the donation of a canned food item, and the food donated will be given to needy families for the holidays.

The parade, she said, will begin at 6 p.m. with Christmas on the Square following. There will be several divisions for entries in the parade, with prizes to the winners.

In the float division the top five finishers will be given a cash prize. First place will receive $100; second, $75; third, $50; fourth, $25; and fifth, $15.

The first place winner in the mini-float category will get $20, as will the winner in the best decorated car/truck class.

The winner of the best marching group, a new classification for the parade, the best dressed animal, the best decorated All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or golf cart, and best decorated bicycle will receive $10 each.

Entries can be made by calling the Chamber at 887-2101.

However, the best theme winner will receive a traveling trophy and bragging rights for the next year. Entrants should remember they can't have any Santas on their floats. Santa traditionally rides on the Chamber's float at the end of the parade.

Christmas on the Square will follow with plenty of entertainment. The parade winners will be announced at this time, and prizes awarded. In addition, the parade of homes and window contest winners will be announced at this time.

Patrons of the event are asked to bring their lawn chairs and stay until the finale  the snowball avalanche. The avalanche will have ping pong balls bearing discounts to local businesses fired into the crowd. These balls must be taken to the business to be redeemed.

There is no entry for the best decorated window, or the parade of homes. But, guidelines must be followed.

The best decorated window contest is open to any retail business in Prescott. The contest is to promote the Christmas season in the area, and entries can be made by calling the Chamber at 887-2101.

Windows will be judged on originality, creativity, merchandising and overall beauty. The deadline to enter is Dec. 2, with judging to be done on Dec. 3. The winner will receive a traveling plaque to be displayed in the business for the next year.

There are actually two competitions for the parade of homes, one for the city and one for the county. The rules, though are basically the same.

Those wanting to enter must fill out an entry form by the time the Chamber closes on Dec. 3. These forms can be picked up at the Chamber.

Judging will take place Saturday, Dec. 4, and all displays should be lighted and ready from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Judging will be based on originality, creativity and presentation.

Along with being announced at Christmas on the Square, winners will get a sign to put in their yards and get a certificate.

The best lighted display consists of lights being the main attraction. The best unlighted display has the focus of the exhibit being the decorations with minimal lighting. The best theme will be judged on all decorations being tied to a central theme.

The category for each home will be determined by the judges.

For more information about the holiday events, contact the Chamber at 887-2101.