Entries sought for 2019 parade
By Kathy Thomson
Members of the Albany Chamber of Commerce are busy getting the word out about special events that will take place in the downtown area next Saturday, Nov. 30, to celebrate the start of the 2019 Christmas season. Activities including music, shopping, gift wrapping, drawings for a total of $1,000 worth of Albany Bucks, a lighted parade, Santa Claus, lighting the Memorial Tree, a wine festival, and a Christmas play.
Lighted Parade
The annual lighted Christmas parade is free and is open to anyone who wants to light up a float, car, golf cart, wagon, horse, bicycle, bus, or any other entry and join the fun. Pre-registration is encouraged.
To register, call Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones at 325-762-2525 during office hours of 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
The parade will line up behind First Baptist Church starting at 5:00 p.m.
Santa is expected to arrive riding on one of the floats in the parade, and he will be on hand afterward for pictures.
The lighted parade will start around 6:00 to 6:15 p.m. “as soon as it gets dark enough,” said Jones.
She added that if there is severe weather, the parade will be cancelled.
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. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30.
“We will be giving away a total of $1,000 in Albany Bucks,” said Jones.
The hopper will be on a trailer parked downtown between the Bank Park and First National Bank on Saturday afternoon.
The tickets in the hopper will be mixed up before winning tickets are drawn and winners announced.
“You must be present to win!” Jones said.
The first drawing will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, with a total of $250 given away.
The same amount will be given at 5:00 p.m.
The final drawing for five $100 winners will take place around 6:00 p.m.
Albany Bucks can be used just like cash at participating Albany merchants.
The special script will be valid until Feb. 1, 2020.
Memorial Tree
The Memorial Tree, which is decorated with lights, greenery, and ornaments commemorating loved ones, will be lighted after the parade is over.
The wooden tree will be located at the end of Bank Park, near the Santa chair.
The cross-shaped ornaments are priced at $5 each and are for sale at the Chamber office.
Jones asked that orders for the ornaments be placed by Nov. 26 if possible, but they will be available during the parade.
Christmas Play
The Albany Mainstreet Playhouse is presenting The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Aztec Theater in downtown Albany at 7:15 p.m. that evening.
Information is available in a separate article.
Wrapping Area
In addition to earning ticket chances in the Albany Bucks drawing, shoppers on Nov. 30 can take advantage of a special gift wrapping opportunity.
Shoppers can stop by the Old Jail Art Center from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and wrap their purchases for free.
Singers Invited
Jones is asking any singing groups who would like to perform downtown on Nov. 30 to contact her at the Chamber office.
Coloring Contest
This year the Chamber will award prizes to winners of a children’s Christmas coloring contest.
“One $10 gift certificate will go to the winner from each grade,” said Jones.
Additional Activities
The Texas Forts Trail Region is holding a wine festival on Saturday, Nov. 30 in Albany at The Blue Duck Winery from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m.
Eight vineyards will be featured at the event.
Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door, and include a swag bag, food, entertainment, and two tastings per vineyard.
For more information about the wine festival, contact Tammie Virden at 800-484-1462, or order tickets at eventbrite.com.
Project Grad
Members of the Albany High School Class of 2020 will draw for the winner of a lottery ticket raffle during the parade.
Tickets for the raffle are $1 each or six for $5 and will be available prior to the parade.
No Chili Supper
The Chamber will not host a chili supper this year.
“If someone wants to do a meal in the park for a fundraiser, please contact the Chamber,” said Jones. “We’d love to have that!”
