Area residents can mark their calendars for the 2017 Oaklawn Rotary Christmas Parade. All the sparkle and excitement will kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 4 in downtown Hot Springs, and the rain date will be Tuesday, December 5. This year’s parade theme is “The Magic of Christmas.” Area groups, businesses and organizations are encouraged to prepare their float entries in accordance with the theme.
Online registration is also now available for participation in the parade. Registration is at www.HotSpringsChristmasParade.com and the entry deadline will be Friday, November 17. The parade entry fee of $50 ($25 for pageant winners) will be used by Oaklawn Rotary to support several Garland County charities. Trophies will be awarded for Best Decorated Float, Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Special Effects, Best Choreographed and Most Decorated Non-Float. For information, email HotSpringsChristmasParade@gmail.com .
"Oaklawn Rotary is always thrilled to be a part of the longstanding Christmas tradition in Hot Springs,” said Scott Burton, parade chair. “The Christmas Parade gives our club volunteers another opportunity to give back to the community they love.”
In addition to floats, marching groups and horses are allowed. Business vehicles must pull either a decorated trailer or float. All entrants are required to send a representative to a mandatory pre-parade meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 26 at the Transportation Depot, 100 Broadway Terrace. Parade lineup numbers and additional information will be distributed at the meeting, and entry fees will be collected.
The official parade entry form and parade rules are available on the parade website: www.HotSpringsChristmasParade.com . Inquiries may be directed to HotSpringsChristmasParade@gmail.com .