Parade of Lights to be held earlier than usual this year

The Christmas season is being heralded a little earlier this year with the annual Christmas Parade of Lights scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The earlier parade schedule coincides with other Holton/Jackson County “Second Saturday” activities.

Law enforcement, city and county departments, area clubs, service organizations, churches, businesses, school groups and families are all encouraged to participate in the annual light-up parade that features vehicles and floats covered in Christmas lights.

Line-up for the parade starts at 5:15 p.m. along the east side of Holton High School.

Participants are encouraged to be creative with their entries and light up vehicles, floats, farm machinery and other methods of transportation with holiday lights.

The Holton Recorder staff is compiling a list of all participants. Groups that have already confirmed for the parade include Soldier Christian Church, Christ Church, First United Methodist Church, the Jackson County Commissioners and More than Lemons.

Cash prizes will be given to the top religious float, business float and club/organization float.

To sign up your group or family for the parade, contact David Powls at The Recorder at 785-364-3141 or send an e-mail to holtonrecorder@embarqmail.com.

At the conclusion of the parade at 6:30 p.m., a special lighting ceremony will be held to turn on all the Christmas lights that adorn the top of the Town Square buildings.

Santa will be available for photos at the Jackson County Courthouse that evening, as well as Saturday, Dec. 12. 

Local businesses will be open late the evening as well so the public can start their Christmas shopping, and members of Jackson County Arts are hosting a winter art show at the Hutchins building on the west side of the Square.

Art members are also hosting a “suitcase sale,” and plan to offer art, Christmas ornaments, handmade items, baked goods and books for sale.