Entries needed for annual parade

By Sam Waller

Local shoppers can start this weekend earning tickets that can be redeemed for Albany Bucks.

Albany Chamber of Commerce manager Mary Beth Jones said boxes will be in stores Saturday.

Tickets are earned by shopping at participating downtown or locally-owned merchants. Every $10 spent in a Chamber-member business earns the shopper one ticket.

The campaign leads up to Small Town Saturday on Nov. 27. The event will include live music, food and an appearance by Santa Claus, culminating with the Lighted Christmas Parade.

“This is a time for all of Shackelford County to join together and show we’re still sticking together,” Jones said. “We’re still cohesive, working together for the good cause, and not letting prejudices tear us apart.”

Decorations

The Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to help finish putting up Christmas decorations in the downtown area.

Those wishing to help should arrive downtown by 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

“It shouldn’t take long,” Jones said. “The decoration committee worked during the week in the evenings. Saturday we will finish wrapping the poles with ribbon and get some decorations up at the Bank Park like the Christmas tree and Santa chair.”

Floats Wanted

Jones said the Chamber is still accepting entries for floats in the Lighted Christmas Parade, which will start at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27.

“We would like entries to be signed up by the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 23),” she said, “but if you decide at the last minute, just show up about 4:30 to 4:45 p.m. at the First National Bank parking lot. We’ll get a sheet filled out and get you entered.”

Jones said prizes will be 100 Albany Bucks for first place, 75 Albany Bucks for second and 50 Albany Bucks for third.

There is no entry fee for the parade.

Barbecue Sandwiches

Toys For Tots and Albany’s National Honor Society students will be serving barbecue sandwiches at Bank Park before the parade.

“The Chamber will have a few tables and chairs set out on the Bank Park,” Jones said. “If people get food and want to sit out and eat there, they can.”

Santa Claus

Santa Claus will be available before the parade so boys and girls can make their Christmas wishes known.

Pictures with Santa will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Bank Park.

Memorial Ornaments

Memorial ornaments are now being sold at a cost of $5 each.

The name of the person to be memorialized will be written on the ornament, and it will be hung on the Chamber’s Christmas tree. This year, the memorial tree will be placed at the Bank Park.

Ornaments may be removed and taken home after Christmas.

Decorating Contest

Once Small Town Saturday is done, the Chamber will begin its house decorating contest.

Residents must be entered to be judged for the contest.

“You have to call us and enter your house so we don’t miss you,” Jones said. “Give us your name, address and a phone number so we know what houses to definitely go by.”

Winners will be announced Dec. 20. First place will receive 100 Albany Bucks with 75 for second and 50 for third.

“There are no specific categories,” Jones said. “Judges will pick the three they like the best.”