By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — While those sleigh bells jingling have been ring-ting-tingling since well before Halloween, the season officially kicks off in Limestone on Saturday, Nov. 26 with the annual Holiday Light Parade, Tree Lighting and the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus in downtown.
The theme for this year’s light parade is “Parade of Trees;” float entries are encouraged to depict different outrageous tree-decorating ideas.
Prizes will be awarded by officials with the Limestone Chamber of Commerce for floats featuring the best theme, best lights, most musical, most creative and best business entry.
There are two must-not’s for float entries this year: individuals interested in distributing candy to parade-goers must have representatives walking alongside their float to pass out the sweets instead of throwing confectionary projectiles at the parade audience. Potential float providers are also cautioned that Mr. and Mrs. Claus have already been invited to participate in the parade by officials with the Limestone Recreation Department and Chamber of Commerce; imitators of the Christmassy couple will find their entry disqualified.
While the parade doesn’t start down its merry path until 6 p.m., holiday activities begin at 5:15 p.m. with carols and festive fun in the lot at the intersection of Rout 1A and the Access Highway, followed promptly at 5:30 with the ceremonious lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree. Both activities will be led by officials with the Limestone Recreation Department and the Limestone Girl Scout Troop 844.
Parade lineup begins at 5:15 and the judging commences at 5:30. The parade begins at 6, proceeding east down FFA Avenue, north on Main Street, west on Access Highway and south down High Street back toward the school.
Additional information regarding the seasonal festivities can be obtained by calling the Limestone Recreation Department at 325-4791.
