Countdown to Christmas begins with annual holiday parade

Judging from the crowd at the 2005 Lincolnton Holiday Parade, it would be a good idea to arrive early to stake out a good vantage point for this year's parade which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 2. Sponsored by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, the event is eagerly anticipated each year by children of all ages and marks the official beginning of the Christmas season for many.

Is your spirit drooping and your wagon draggin' due to the stress and strain of the holiday season?

Forget the fruitcake, the cranky relatives, and the tangled strings of tree lights and come out and enjoy the 2006 Lincolnton Holiday Parade set to begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 2.

Sponsored annually by the Lincolnton Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, the parade is being held in conjunction with the Holidays in Olde Lincoln Towne Festival.

To accommodate the parade as well as other activities taking place during the day, local law enforcement officials will close Main Street and a portion of Peachtree Street from 12 noon until 6 p.m.

Grand Marshal Bruce Beggs will lead this year's holiday parade through downtown Lincolnton, followed by a variety of festive floats, beauty queens, antique tractors, motorcycles, classic cars, horses, golf carts resplendent in holiday finery, the First Assembly of God Royal Rangers' flag detail, the McCormick High School JROTC Marching Unit, the Lincoln County Red Devil Pride Marching Band, the Thomson Shriners Club, Lincoln County Family Connection's Mother of the Year, and of course, Santa Clause himself, riding in his bright, red sleigh.

Spectators are asked to give the bands and Shriners plenty of room to maneuver.

The parade will line up at the following locations and times:

Lillian Sims Drive (enter from Ward Avenue only) - floats, musicians, golf carts, etc., 12-2 p.m.

For safety reasons, absolutely no vehicles will be allowed to enter Lillian Sims Drive after 12 noon. The parking lots surrounding LCHS has been designated as preparation areas and will be open all day.

Family Dollar Store - horses, mules, and wagons, 2:30 p.m.

Beggs Funeral Home and The Lincoln Center have been selected as the parking, unloading, and preparation areas for these entries.

Lincoln County Historical Park - tractors, 2 p.m.

Farmers & Merchants Bank - classic cars and show vehicles, 1-2:30 p.m.

The entries parked at Family Dollar, the historical park, and Farmers & Merchants Bank will join the parade as it passes these points.

Moreover, judging will take place at 1 p.m. in the staging areas so the winning entries can display their prize ribbons during the parade.

This year, prizes are to be awarded in the following categories:

Floats - Traditional, Novelty, and Religious. Horse/Mule and Wagon. Golf Cart. Horse/Mule.

Tractor Antique/Classic.

Prizes will also be given to the "Most Unique," "Best Thanksgiving," and "Best Christmas" entries.

The prizes will be in the form of "LincolnCHECKS" which may be redeemed at businesses run by chamber members.

The names of the winners will be published in the December 7 edition of The Lincoln Journal.

Those wishing to enter a float, tractor, golf cart, etc. in the parade must sign up at the chamber office by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 1. The completed forms may be faxed (both sides) to 1-706-359-5477 or handdelivered to the chamber office, located in the Blanchard House at 112 N. Washington Street.

Entry forms will not be accepted the day of the parade.

Those attending the parade should take note that the parade will follow the same route as last year.

At 3 p.m., the parade will exit Lillian Sims Drive, turning right onto the Augusta Highway. It will then proceed to the intersection where Hardee's and the Huddle House are located and turn right onto Washington Street.

When the parade reaches the monument, it will turn right onto Main Street, travel past Lincoln Place, and make a left onto Peachtree Street. The parade will then turn right onto Humphrey Street at the caution light in front of the Lincoln County Library.

After traveling past the Lincoln County Courthouse, it will make a right onto Dallas Street and return to Lillian Sims Drive.

City and county residents unable to attend the parade or those who would just like a second look may view a tape of the parade on Channel 13, the local-access cable channel. The schedule has yet to be announced.

For more information about the Lincolnton Holiday Parade, contact the chamber of commerce at 706- 359-7970.