Saturday events include parade, drawings, music

This Saturday, Nov. 24, the Albany Chamber of Commerce has sponsored a Christmas season kick-off event with a host of activities scheduled to take place in the downtown area from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Music from Matt Stapp and from local fiddlers and singers, a magician, drawings for Albany Bucks, a lighted Christmas parade, the arrival of Santa Claus, a chili supper, caroling, lighting of the Memorial Christmas Tree, inspirational speeches, and even-ing shopping opportunities are all planned.

“We will have an open mic for anyone who wants to sing a Christmas song, and we are hoping for a variety of singers,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. “For the first time we will be awarding a prize to the parade winner, and we will give away more Albany Bucks than ever before.”

Albany Bucks Prizes

Participating merchants will hand out tickets for the prize drawings to qualified shoppers, one ticket for each $10 spent on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24. 

Drawings for winners of Albany Bucks will take place at 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 24, at the trailer that will be parked near True Value Hardware on Saturday evening, and you must be present to win, according to Jones.

Two $50 prizes and one $75 prize will be given away at each of the four drawings.

The special scrip can be used like cash at participating Albany merchants.

Chili Supper

Chili will be served at the Aztec Theater from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The meal is free, but donations to help cover the costs will be accepted.

Inspirational Message

Mike Parsons is scheduled to give an inspirational Christmas speech around 5:45 p.m., shortly before the third Albany Bucks drawing of the evening and the parade.

Lighted Parade

There is no charge to enter in the lighted parade, though participants are encouraged to call the Chamber at 325-762-2525 to preregister if possible.

“We want folks to preregister so we know who is on the floats and can announce them during the parade,” Jones said. “However, we will accept entries right up until the parade starts. We are hoping for more float entries, and this year we are giving away Albany Bucks to the first place float.”

Lineup for the parade will be at 5:00 p.m. behind the First Baptist Church, and the parade will start as soon as it is dark enough (around 6:00 to 6:15 p.m.), according to Jones.

Santa is expected to arrive riding on one of the floats in the parade, and then be available at the Bank Park to visit with children and pose for pictures.

The parade winner will be announced at 7:00 p.m., along with winners of the fourth and final drawing for Albany Bucks.

Memorial Tree

This will be the first year to include inspirational speakers and lighting of a Memorial Tree in the Chamber-sponsored event. 

The wooden tree was built by Chris Beard’s ag class and was set up Monday between the Chamber office and Main Street.

Everyone is encouraged to end the evening by gathering around the Memorial Tree for caroling, the Tree Lighting, and a memorial eulogy.

Ornament Purchases

The Memorial Christmas Tree will be decorated with lights, greenery, and special ornaments painted with the names of “angels.”

“You may purchase a $5 Christmas ornament to be painted with the name of your angel,” said Jones. “The ornaments will then be used to decorate the Memorial Christmas Tree.”

The Christmas ornaments are for sale at the Chamber office, and people can buy them by coming in, or can purchase one with a credit card over the phone.

The ornaments will also be available at the Aztec Theater from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on parade day, Nov. 24.

Those who want to keep their ornaments can go by the Chamber office and pick them up after the Christmas season, added Jones.