Chamber plans Christmas parade, drawings
Music, shopping, drawings for Albany Bucks, caroling, hot food, and a lighted parade are just part of the plans for the afternoon and evening of Saturday, Nov. 24 in downtown Albany.
“Special activities will start with live music downtown at 4:00 p.m.,” said Albany Chamber of Commerce office manager Mary Beth Jones. “If you are willing to sing a Christmas song or two, please call me at 325-762-2525. We are hoping to have a variety of singers.”
Matt Stapp will be on stage from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Chili Supper
Chili will be served at the Aztec Theater from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
“We won’t be charging for the food, but donations would be appreciated,” Jones said. “Many of the downtown merchants plan to have refreshments available in their stores. They will also be handing out one ticket for the Albany Bucks drawings for every $10 spent in their stores that weekend.”
Albany Bucks Prizes
Starting on Friday, Nov. 23, participating merchants will hand out tickets for the drawings to qualified shoppers.
The tickets will be collected and placed in a big hopper on the trailer parked in front of First National Bank on Saturday evening.
Drawings for winners of Albany Bucks will take place at 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 24.
“You must be present to win,” said Jones. “We will give away two $50 prizes and one $75 prize at each of the four drawings.”
Albany Bucks can be used just like cash at participating Albany merchants.
Lighted Parade
The lighted parade will start when it gets dark, around 6:00 to 6:15 p.m., according to Jones.
“Everyone is welcome from anywhere,” said the Chamber manager. “You can call me at the Chamber office to preregister for the lighted parade. We will be giving out some cash prizes this year.”
Santa is expected to ride in the parade, and be on hand afterward for pictures.
Tree Lighting
New this year will be the lighting of a wooden Christmas tree custom made by the Albany High ag class.
“The tree will be outside of the Chamber office near the road,” said Jones. “It is a memorial Christmas tree. For $5 you can purchase a clear Christmas ball, and we will write your loved one’s name on it to remember them.”
The ornaments, each carrying the names of somebody’s angel, will be used to decorate the tree.
“Mike Parsons will give a short memorial speech before the tree is lit,” said Jones. “The tree lighting is set for 7:00 p.m., then we plan to join together in singing carols.”
Ornament Purchases
Ornaments should be ordered by Wednesday, Nov. 21, so that Chamber workers have time to add your loved one’s name to it before parade night.
Ornaments can be purchased at the Depot during normal Chamber office hours of Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., or ordered over the phone.
