Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Parade, Christmas On The Square Thursday; Santa Makes First Visit

Area residents visiting Prescott on the Square Thursday night will be thoroughly entertained.

According to Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, there will be tons of entertainment provided by local talent.

In fact, the Prescott and Emmet schools will showcase their talent when the children perform at the Nevada County Courthouse Thursday evening, while the First United Methodist Handbell Choir will strut its stuff as well.

The Presbyterian pre-school children will sing Christmas carols for the crowd, while Rachel Dougan, Johnna Bryant, Margie Dansby, Misty Holly and Chad Cornelius take the stage later on.

In addition, the Prescott High School Band will be on hand to perform.

Christmas on the Square will be following the Christmas Parade, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

While it's too late to enter a float in the parade now, more than 30 entered. Those with floats in the parade will be competing for first place money of $100, while the second place finisher gets $75 and there is $50 waiting for third place.

There will also be a cash prize of $10 for the best decorated bicycle, along with the best decorated golf cart or all terrain vehicle.

Changing directions, there is a $10 prize for the most creative person bringing in a decorated animal. The animal must be live and dressed in holiday garb.

Godwin said the parade will begin at the old Chamber building, head down Main Street, stopping at the intersection of Main and Highway 67, and move on to the courthouse.

At the conclusion of the parade, Christmas on the Square begins.

Those who missed dinner for the festivities need not worry as food vendors will be on hand to satisfy the worst hunger. Maxine's Diner and the Prescott High School Future Homemaker's of America will be on hand with booths. In addition, Morris Baptist Church will be serving tasty treats at the festivities.

Santa will also make his first official visit to Prescott Thursday evening. When the jolly old elf arrives, children can have their photo taken with him.

There will also be a Christmas costume contest for the youngsters, Godwin said. There will be two divisions for boys and girls. One will be for children 2-4, with the other for children 5-7.

Godwin stressed this is not a pageant, but a costume contest. The costumes, she said, must be Christmas-oriented. Winners will be given trophies and certificates.

In addition, the winners of the Best Decorated Window and the Parade of Homes will be announced.