Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Chamber Readies For Holidays

It's Christmastime in Prescott.

Well, not quite yet, but the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the holiday season already.

However, there is plenty going on before Christmas begins.

The retail merchants will meet at the Chamber office Thursday evening at 5:15 to do some preliminary planning for the Christmas season and other holidays.

A Halloween Contest will be held for area businesses, with judging done Friday, Oct. 30. Employees are urged to dress up in their best Halloween finery on this day to scare the dickens out of their customers and get bragging rights for the coming year.

Out of town judges will pick the winners of the costume contest. These winners will be awarded $20 for first place, $15 for second and $10 for third.

There is no charge for entering the contest, but contestants are asked to call the Chamber by 4 p.m. Oct. 28 to be included.

Godwin said the contest is being held to help promote local businesses. Last year, she said, about 45 entered the contest.

The Christmas committee has met and decided to hold this year's Christmas parade Dec. 12, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Godwin said the parade will be the reverse of the fair parade, and will conclude at the Nevada County Courthouse where Christmas on the Square will begin.

The them of this year's parade is "Through the Streets of a Winter Wonderland."

And, those planning to enter floats need to know everyone's favorite elf, St. Nick, will only be allowed on one float the grand float. When the parade is over, Santa will visit with children at the square.

Floats will be judged, with the top three places earning $100 for the first place, $75 for second and $50 for third.

There will be other contests as well. The winner of the best animal costume will get 10, as will the person with the best decorated bicycle and all-terrain vehicle or golf cart.

A new division in this year's parade entries will be the best decorated car or pickup. The winner will receive $25.

The deadline for entering the parade is Nov. 20, and there is no cost to enter a float or vehicle in the parade. However, descriptions of the planned float are required so the judges will have an idea of what they're examining. The judges will be from out of town.

Those planning to have a float in the parade will need to be at the starting point, NAPA, by 3:30 p.m. to get their number for the lineup.

The annual Chamber membership meeting will be held at noon Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Wolves Drive In. Godwin said the agenda will include results of the past year's events and plans for the coming year.

Those planning to attend should let Godwin know as a head count is needed for lunch.