Chamber prepares for Christmas parade ; Children's store

The Blackwell Area Chamber of Commerce has a busy month ahead, and while the organization is filled with the holiday spirit, organizers also are paying tribute to our nation’s veterans by combining Blackwell’s Veterans Day parade with the upcoming Night of Lights Christmas Parade.

The Veterans Day parade was canceled at the last-minute Nov. 11 because of inclement weather.

“We will be combining the Veterans Day parade and Christmas parade,” Chamber Coordinator Joyce Courtney said. “Sean Ingram will lead the parade, and Santa will be at the end of the parade.”

Ingram was chosen in November as the Veterans Day parade marshal.

The combined parade will take place Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street.

A parade-first this year will be the inclusion of Mrs. Claus.

For the parade, the Chamber requested that there be no other Santas or Mrs. Clause figures besides their own so as not to confuse the children.

The Chamber of Commerce also is preparing for another holiday tradition: the Children’s Christmas Store.

The Christmas store will take place Dec. 10 at the Blackwell Youth Center from 9 a.m. to noon. It will allow children ages 3 and up to shop for their parents with the help of Blackwell High School students, including members of Blackwell’s FFA.

The store will feature several items donated by the community and act as a way for children to be involved with doing holiday shopping for their families.

Gift prices will range from $.50 to $5.

“It’s a fantastic chance for the kids to learn about giving in the holiday spirit,” Courtney said. “It’s great for the kids, and it is always a wonderful time for everyone involved.”