For the first time ever, Anderson will be holding its annual Winterfest Christmas parade at night and on a new day.
The event this year will be Friday night, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m., on Main Street in Anderson. Organizers say they decided to move the celebration this year from its usual spot on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for several reasons.
"It seems like we were losing a lot of participation because the schools were out all the week prior to the parade for the Thanksgiving break," said Ken Schutten, one of the parade organizers.
"In fact, culture has changed so much that many people were out of town that weekend. We had also talked about moving the parade to a night celebration for a year or so. It just turns out that Dec. 7 is the day that Anderson was incorporated as a city back in 1909, so we settled on that Friday night for a Christmas parade and a birthday celebration."
Organizers are encouraging businesses, churches, civic organizations, school groups and individuals to enter this year and come up with entries that are geared toward a night parade.
"We're excited to see the creativity of people who enter this year, to see how they light up the night on Main Street," Schutten said.
After the parade, organizers say everyone is invited to come to Town Hole and celebrate with a "Christmas in the Park," complete with pictures with Santa, food vendors, live music and more.
Those interested in entering the parade can fill out the registration form online at andersonbetterment.org. There is no entry fee.
Community on 12/06/2018