×
×
homepage logo

Plan to attend parade, tree lighting ceremony

By Staff | Nov 20, 2009

Looking for a family outing the day after Thanksgiving?

Look no further than your own hometown.

The third annual Geographical Center Chamber of Commerce’s Parade of Lights will be held the evening of Friday, Nov. 27.

Yes, a parade in late November may not sound appealing, but it’s been quite popular and a great way to kick off the holiday season in Rugby, and it ties well into the chamber’s Community Tree Lighting ceremony downtown.

The past two years have seen a good number of entries from businesses, service clubs and organizations and residents decorating vehicles and trailers with Christmas lights. And there have been nice crowds to greet them along Main Ave.

The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and will line up at the high school parking lot and head north past the Haaland Estates, HAMC and eventually make its way to downtown.

At 7 p.m., the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at Merchants Bank Park.

Businesses are encouraged to stay open late that night to allow residents to do some shopping and to provide some goodies and refreshments, preferably warm ones.

The holiday season is an important time of year and should include residents coming together.

That can be helping out with a holiday charity project, participating in the Christmas shopping promotion, attending a community holiday concert, or simply showing up for the parade of lights and tree lighting.

Other communities have held similar outdoor activities – yes, even in late November, and they have become a source of pride.

So put on an extra layer of clothes, find your boots and plan to be present for the community’s parade of lights and tree lighting this Friday, Nov. 27.

It’s a great way to show your holiday spirit.