Nov. 30 plans include parade, prizes, play
By Kathy Thomson
Members of the Albany Chamber of Commerce are getting organized for the upcoming Christmas season with plans that include decorating the downtown area and hosting special events including prize drawings and a lighted parade on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
“We are decorating downtown on Saturday, Nov. 23,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. “Our annual kick-off to Christmas and lighted Christmas parade will be on Saturday, Nov. 30. We’ll also have prize drawings, music, wine, entertainment, and shopping.”
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.
“The merchants will give the tickets to their customers, and then the customer needs to write their name on each of their tickets and put them in the hopper on Saturday,” said Jones. “We will give away $1,000 in Albany Bucks.”
Jones said that five prizes will be awarded at the first drawing, scheduled to take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The next drawing will take place at 5:00 p.m., with the final drawing around 6:00 p.m.
Albany Bucks can be used just like cash at participating Albany merchants, valid until Feb. 1, 2020.
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.
“We will have wrapping stations set up at the Old Jail Art Center,” said Jones.
Shoppers can stop by the OJAC from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and wrap their purchases for free.
Lighted Parade
Entries in the parade are asked to pre-register if possible, according to Jones.
“Call the Chamber at 325-762-2525 to register a float, golf cart, wagon, or other entry,” she said. “The entries must be lighted.”
Entry in the parade is free, with line-up behind the 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 parade will start around 6:00 to 6:15 p.m., “as soon as it gets dark enough.”
She added that if there is severe weather, the parade will be cancelled.
Memorial Tree
This will be the second year that lighting of a special Memorial Tree will be included in the Chamber sponsored event.
The unique tree was custom built by Chris Beard’s ag classes last year and will be located at the end of Bank Park, near the Santa Chair.
The Memorial Christmas Tree will be decorated with lights, greenery, and special ornaments.
“Remember your angels with a Christmas ornament on the Albany Memorial Tree,” said Jones. “You may purchase a $5 Christmas ornament to be painted with their name, and then it will go on the tree.”
The ornaments are for sale at the Chamber office and can be paid for in person or with a credit card over the phone.
Jones asked that orders for the cross-shaped ornaments be placed by Nov. 26 if possible.
“I ordered plenty, so we will also have them for sale at the parade,” she said. “After the first of the year, purchasers can come get their ornaments.”
Christmas Play
The Albany Mainstreet Players will present the first of three performances of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Aztec Theater after the Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Albany on Saturday, Nov. 30.
“We want everyone to come over to the Aztec to watch the play after the conclusion of the parade and the prize drawings,” said director Lorna Ayers.
The performance is expected to begin at 7:15 p.m.
The 25-member cast, which is mostly children, will give a matinee performance on Sunday, Dec. 1 and on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Coloring Contest
Students at Nancy Smith Elementary School have a chance to win a $10 gift certificate by coloring a Christmas scene.
“I’ve dropped off several coloring options for each of the teachers to choose for their class,” said Jones. “We will award one $10 gift certificate to the winner from each of the grades at the elementary school.”
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.
Seven vineyards will be featured at the event.
Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door, and include a swag bag complete with a wine glass, cork screw, and bottle stopper, food, entertainment, and two tastings per vineyard. The featured vineyards will also have wine for sale by the glass or the bottle.
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 are raising funds for their drug and alcohol free graduation party in May with a lottery ticket raffle. The winner will be announced during the parade.
Tickets for the gift basket containing $200 worth of scratch off lottery tickets are $1 each or six for $5.
“Seniors are selling the tickets, or they can contact me,” said class parent Tammy Clark. “We will be downtown, selling tickets prior to 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.
Singers Invited
Jones also asked any singing groups who would like to perform at the event to contact her at the Chamber office.
“We are hoping to get some children’s groups, church choirs, or families who would like to perform,” she said. “We’d love to have them. Call the Chamber, and we’ll schedule a time.”
