The sights and sounds are set to be Merry and Bright throughout Holbrook this season, in concert with the city’s 2015 holiday events theme.
Visitors and spectators can look forward to familiar activities beginning next week, along with a few twists designed to keep the festivities entertaining, starting with the city’s annual Parade of Lights, slated at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. The parade begins on Navajo Blvd. at Florida Street, travels south to Hopi Drive, where it continues west to 10th Avenue.
Holbrook Community Development Director Kathleen Smith noted, “We have a couple of new things for the parade this year, we’re actually changing up the entry award categories.”
Awards will now be given for Best Overall Float, Most Christmas Spirit, Best Merry and Bright Theme, Most Creative and Most Elfin (Youth category, ages 17 and under).
“We’ve simplified the process and we hope this will encourage folks to be even more creative,” she noted.
Smith also says this year’s parade lineup will be outlined in a printed program, with the aim of making it easier for spectators to identify parade vehicles by theme as they cast their votes.
“It’s always fun to know whose float is whose. Now you’ll be able to know the name of the business or individual and their float, as well as a little blurb about the organization, which will be announced. We’d like to give them some recognition for all their hard work and encourage more people to participate as well,” said Smith.
Additionally, the parade judging segment has been modified. Floats will now be judged at Gillespie Park through the course of the parade route.
There is no fee to participate in the parade. Entry forms are available at Holbrook City Hall and should be submitted by Friday, Dec. 4.
Additional Holbrook holiday festivities will begin next week.
The Holbrook Chamber of Commerce will host the Parade of Lights Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Historic Navajo County Courthouse. It will feature activities for kids, live entertainment, and a variety of vendors selling merchandise and food. Visit Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. Call (928) 241-3311 for more information.
The Festival of Trees will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 3-5, at the Catholic Family Center, located at 214 E. Arizona Street. The festival features Christmas trees beautifully decorated and displayed by community members, churches, organizations and businesses, live music performances and fresh baked cookies. Decorated wreaths are being accepted for donation for silent auction during the festival. The silent auction will begin on Thursday and bidding will end on Saturday. Donations should be submitted at the Catholic Family Center. Proceeds will benefit the chamber of commerce. Call 241-3311 for more information.
