Posted 9:09 am Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Send to Kindle
Tyler prepares for annual Jaycees Christmas parade
Piping hot chocolate, chilly night air and the comforting glow of holiday lights — enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season by attending Thursday's Tyler Jaycees Christmas parade and city tree lighting ceremony.
Festivities are scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m., featuring a lively parade of floats, marching bands and a special visit from the Jolly Old Elf, followed by Tyler's 27th Annual Christmas annual tree lighting.
Organizers said it's a good idea to get there early.
“We have over 80 entries, including Santa,” event chairwoman Keri S. Perry said. “It's going to be so fun. … It's going to be a gorgeous night and a large parade. Just working with it and getting things ready has definitely pushed us into the Christmas spirit.”
Ms. Perry said the Jaycees have been working since August on the parade lineup to make this year's event a special evening for a special time of the year.
In keeping with tradition, Thursday's parade is set to begin at the intersection of Broadway and Bow and work its way south to the square.
Street closures are expected to begin at 4:30 p.m.
Festivities are scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m., featuring a lively parade of floats, marching bands and a special visit from the Jolly Old Elf, followed by Tyler's 27th Annual Christmas annual tree lighting.
Organizers said it's a good idea to get there early.
“We have over 80 entries, including Santa,” event chairwoman Keri S. Perry said. “It's going to be so fun. … It's going to be a gorgeous night and a large parade. Just working with it and getting things ready has definitely pushed us into the Christmas spirit.”
Ms. Perry said the Jaycees have been working since August on the parade lineup to make this year's event a special evening for a special time of the year.
In keeping with tradition, Thursday's parade is set to begin at the intersection of Broadway and Bow and work its way south to the square.
Street closures are expected to begin at 4:30 p.m.
To ensure a proper backdrop, city crews spent several days last week and again Monday decorating the downtown area.
The centerpiece of the tree lighting event is a towering, 28-foot Leyland Cypress donated by Jackie and Debbie Merket of Merket Christmas Tree Farm in Beckville, covered in about 8,000 lights.
The city tree is to be lit by tiny Daniela Guzzetta, 11 months, selected after battling a series of illnesses as the 2012 Miracle Child, representing the Children's Miracle Network at Trinity Mother Frances Health System.
Expect an eye-catching display, organizers said.
“There are a few new ornaments on the tree this year,” Special Events Coordinator Debbie Isham said. “We're also going to have some other types of decorations.”
Mature shrubs removed earlier from the plaza square have opened up new decorating opportunities, Ms. Isham said.
Visitors can look forward to a colorful assortment of lighted trees and holiday art, such as deer and sleighs.
The East Texas Christian Jazz Band is expected to provide live music with entertainment provided by Artistic Dance Concepts.
Concessions will be available through Ted Kamel Foods.
For more details, call 903-597-4787 or visit tylerjaycees.org.
The centerpiece of the tree lighting event is a towering, 28-foot Leyland Cypress donated by Jackie and Debbie Merket of Merket Christmas Tree Farm in Beckville, covered in about 8,000 lights.
The city tree is to be lit by tiny Daniela Guzzetta, 11 months, selected after battling a series of illnesses as the 2012 Miracle Child, representing the Children's Miracle Network at Trinity Mother Frances Health System.
Expect an eye-catching display, organizers said.
“There are a few new ornaments on the tree this year,” Special Events Coordinator Debbie Isham said. “We're also going to have some other types of decorations.”
Mature shrubs removed earlier from the plaza square have opened up new decorating opportunities, Ms. Isham said.
Visitors can look forward to a colorful assortment of lighted trees and holiday art, such as deer and sleighs.
The East Texas Christian Jazz Band is expected to provide live music with entertainment provided by Artistic Dance Concepts.
Concessions will be available through Ted Kamel Foods.
For more details, call 903-597-4787 or visit tylerjaycees.org.
