(Press release)

(Temple) – The 2009 Temple Christmas Parade will be held Monday December 7th at 6:30 P.M. The theme of this year’s parade is “Christmas in the Forties,” and it is not too late for Temple residents to get involved.

“We will be accepting entries for the parade through November 13,” Tracy Klusacek said.

Entries can include anything from an elaborate parade float to a marching band or classic car. The rules for participating allow for a great degree of creativity.

“The parade is open to any individual, group or business who wants to participate,” Klusacek said. “All we ask is that entries be no larger than thirteen feet tall and 40 feet long, and that they utilize at least 100 Christmas lights.”

Klusacek was also quick to point out that there is no limit to the number of lights a float may use.

“The brighter the better!” she joked. “It’s always so wonderful to see the eyes of little kids in the crowd just light up at all the lights.”

In the case of a float being towed, the lead vehicle has to be included within those 40 feet. For entries exceeding the 40 foot limit the Department will assess an additional $30 fee for an additional 40 foot space.

Participants who think their entry is good enough can ask that it be included in the prize competition. Judges choose the top ten entries and recognize them with special cash prizes. The first place finisher will receive the Mayor’s Award and $650. Second Place will receive the City Manager Award and $500; third place, the City Council Award and $300; fourth place, the Park Board Award and $200; fifth place, $100; and sixth through 10th place will receive $50 each. All of the award winners will receive plaques recognizing their achievement.

Applications to participate in the parade can be downloaded from the Temple Parks & Leisure Services website, www.templeparks.net. The cost to enter is $60 for businesses, $30 for individuals and private groups, and free to tax-supported entities like schools or City departments. Complete applications can be mailed or dropped off at the Temple Parks & Leisure administrative offices at 1909 Curtis B. Elliott Drive. If mailed, they should be sent “Attention: Christmas Parade.”

Before the parade, a representative from each entry group and anyone driving in the parade will have to attend a preparation meeting Monday, November 30th at 6 P.M. at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center.

“At that meeting we’ll mostly be covering the order of the parade as well as going over safety and driving rules and staging and de-staging policies.” Klusacek said.

For more information about the Temple Christmas Parade, please contact Klusacek at (254) 298-5417. To arrange an interview, please contact Marketing Coordinator James Stafford at (254) 298-5414.