Christmas parade set for Nov. 27

For the third straight year, the Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas Parade will kick off the holiday season in Fort Scott.

The third annual parade, which follows a route down National Avenue and Main Street, is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the Nu Grille Restaurant, 24 N. National Ave. Parade entrants will line up at the restaurant about an hour before the parade begins.

Beautiful weather -- temperatures were in the low 60s -- greeted parade-goers during last year's parade, resulting in a larger turnout of people than the previous year. Parade planners are now accepting entries for what they expect to be another successful event.

"We want to have a huge event," Downtown Division Chairwoman Cindy Bowman said.

Several entries in the downtown parade, which is sponsored by the Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, will appear in the parade not just to delight local residents who turn out to watch the parade, but also for a chance at winning a $100 cash prize that will go to the parade entry that is voted the best overall, Bowman said.

Organizers plan for the parade to feature school marching bands, a variety of floats, walking entries, and even Santa Claus himself riding in his giant sleigh. Cash prizes will also be awarded to the second and third place overall entries in the parade. A drawing for prizes donated by local businesses is also planned, Bowman said.

The parade will follow its typical route, starting at the corner of Old Fort Boulevard and National Avenue, continuing south to Third Street and then north on Main Street back to Skubitz Plaza for the official lighting of the gigantic 26-foot Christmas tree. One of the Downtown Division's biggest expenses this year was making the tree even taller by adding an extra two feet to its height, Bowman said.

The downtown area will be decorated with lights and other ornaments for the holiday season, she said.

After the parade, the public will be invited to assemble downtown to enjoy a variety of free refreshments donated by the Community Christian Church. The Fort Scott Recreation Commission plans to have hot chocolate and cider available free of charge as well. Prize drawings and other activities related to the holiday, including Santa Claus' workshop, will take place on North Main Street near the Christmas tree, Bowman said.

The Downtown Division is now accepting parade entries, which are free and open to the public. Entry forms are available at the chamber office, 231 E. Wall St., or by calling (620) 223-3566.