Decatur plans Christmas parade, festival on Dec. 5

— Last year, Kansas City Southern Railroad brought its Christmas train to Decatur. There were plenty of lights, trees, presents, elves, reindeer and, of course, the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus.

This year, the Decatur Chamber of Commerce invited Santa to participate in the first annual DecaturChristmas Festival and Parade, which will be held on Dec. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot on the northeast corner of the Highways 59 and 102 intersection, across from the Gallery Cafe in Decatur.

The parade, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., will start at the old city park and will run down Main Street to the festival area across from the Gallery Cafe.

The Decatur PTO andchamber will join forces to provide a chili supper.

A craft station will be provided for children to make a special Christmas ornament. These handcrafted decorations can be used or fill a special place on the family Christmas tree. A Christmas cosmetology stand will also be available to have nails and hair done in proper Christmas fashion.

The chamber will havetables available to businesses to display their wares and hand out information to potential clients.

Live music will be performed throughout the festival.

The Decatur chamber is also collecting new toys throughout the event. A chance to win a prize will be given to all who bring an unwrapped toy to the drop point. The toys willbe donated to needy children who may not have a chance at a merry Christmas this year.

Who can forget the honored guest for the Christmas festival, the man in the red suit, Santa Claus himself! Claus will be joined by his wife, Mrs. S. Claus, who will be making a rare appearance on the Christmas circuit this year.

In case of inclement weather, the festival willbe held in the Decatur community room behind city hall.

For information on the Decatur Christmas Festival and to participate in the parade, contact the chamber of commerce at 752-8460 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Anyone wishing to participate in the live music section of the festival should contact Larry Ben at 752-3986.

Sports, Pages 11 on 11/20/2013