The 30th Annual Main Street Texarkana Christmas Parade is set for Monday, December 1, at 7 p.m. in downtown Texarkana. The theme for this year's parade is "It’s a Mad, Mad Victorian Christmas." One hundred lighted entries are expected with this year’s parade to include floats, antique cars, bands, and live camels. Entries will be using recycled items to follow this year’s theme. These can be anything from reused Christmas decorations and trees, to household items. Some of the most interesting creations come from old gears, metal parts, paper, or plastic, said Ina McDowell, executive director of Main Street Texarkana. If you are familiar with the steam punk style, this is your chance to show off your creativity for Christmas and the Victorian era. The style is a fun, and whimsical Victorian design often using top hats, and long dresses. We are working with both the City of Texarkana, Ark., and City of Texarkana, Texas, recycling programs, McDowell said.

In keeping with the tradition, the parade will be led by a team of live camels, and a nativity scene. Local celebrities riding the camels this year include: Jennifer Strayhorn, director of the Texarkana Public Library, a representative from KLFITV Beech Street Communications, and Ken Cox, director of the Texarkana Area Community Foundation. It is an honor to be selected to ride a camel, leading the parade, McDowell said.

New this year, the City of Texarkana, Texas, Farmer’s Market, at 305 Texas Blvd., will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. selling homemade jams, jellies, gift baskets, and baked goods. Also, the Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm will be at the Farmer’s Market selling trees and fresh wreaths. You can purchase your tree at the parade, or pre-order and pickup from their farm on Richmond Rd., said McDowell. Also, beginning at 4 p.m. food, drinks and gift items will be available in the Front Street Festival Plaza on Front Street. The camels will be in the Plaza before the parade, as well as special guest, “Holiday Hog” from the Arkansas Dept. of Tourism. Texarkana is among the Holiday Trail of Lights in Texarkana, and a selected site for the Arkansas holiday character at the parade.

This year’s route will begin at Broad and Ash (Front) Streets. The parade will follow East Broad Street to Texas Blvd., turning north, then going east on West Third Street. The parade continues to State Line Ave., turning north, where it ends at the Federal Courthouse/Post Office.

The parade will be broadcast live on KLIFTV. For more information about the parade call 903-792-7191.

Be on the lookout for the station air-staff riding in the parade!

 

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