The annual Commerce Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, this year’s parade will feature a theme of “A Texas Christmas.”
“We’ve always loved coming to the Parade. We brought our daughters when they were little girls and now we come with them and our grandson. It’s a really nice tradition for our family,” said Keith Luke, former City of Commerce employee and parade goer.
Festivities will commence at 5 p.m. with dance performances by Li Sher Dance Studio, and choirs singing courtesy of a number of local churches as well as the official lighting of the Christmas tree. The 2nd annual Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Violent Crimes will also be held.
Hot chocolate and holiday novelty vendors will also be on site.
“The girls work really hard and put everything they have into getting ready to perform for the people,” said Amber Wafford, Li Sher Dance Instructor. “And they really do have a lot of fun.”
Since the early 1940’s Commerce has celebrated the holiday season with a parade, according to the Commerce Chamber of Commerce.
Originally, the parade was a Saturday morning affair. Following a short hiatus from 1994 to 1996, the parade was moved to an evening event, so that the Christmas lights could be enjoyed as well.
Following it’s traditional route, the parade will begin at City Park, continuing North on Park Street, turning West on Main Street, through downtown and South down Washington Street.
The downtown square will be closed to vehicles beginning around 4:30 p.m. and will not re-open until after the conclusion of the parade and downtown festivities.
Awards will be given to parade floats in a number of areas, including Best Followed Theme and the Grand Marshall’s Award. This years Grand Marshall is Sue Porter, Commerce’s 2006 Citizen of the Year.
With a number of entries varying from decorated floats, to horse and rider or those on foot, all are eligible for judging for one of the many awards.
Citizens from Commerce and many A&M -Commerce students attend the annual Christmas parade, as well.
“We really wanted a lot of the university organization’s to participate, but so far all we have is a vehicle from the (University) Police Department.” said Barbara Kersey, Chamber of Commerce director said. “We’d still love to have them all.”
For more information on the Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Violent Crimes, or to add someone to the memorial, contact Cindy Vaughan at 903-886-1132 or the Commerce Chamber of Commerce.