Mark your calendars because Santa Claus is coming to town . . . on a parade float. Planning has begun for the 58th annual Concord Christmas Parade, to be held on Nov. 21 at 9:30 a.m. on Loudon Road. The rain/snow date will be Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
This year's theme is “Christmas at the North Pole.” There's still plenty of time to enter your float, but there's a couple of things parade chairman Dick Patten wants you to know before you start creating your mobile masterpiece.
– Get there early. The parade will begin formation for float at 8 a.m. in the state Department of Transportation's parking lot on Hazen Drive. All other participants are asked to get there no later than 8:30 a.m. (1 p.m. if the parade is moved to Nov. 22)
– Santa is already representin' a float, so all you wannabe Santas better back off! Or, as Dick put it, “We are asking those planning to enter a float to not use Santa Claus on it. Santa is already committed to his official float and anyone using one will be asked to take it out or risk being left out of the parade.” You have been warned.
– Handing out candy is encouraged, but do not throw it. We don't want to see any youngsters (or Insiders) get hurt when they pe for candy.
– Although Fluffy looks mighty cute in an elf costume, animals are not allowed on the floats.
– Knowing New England weather, it could be a wee bit chilly. Dress accordingly.
In addition to floats, Dick also wants people to know that the committee needs bands, decorated vehicles, animals, antique cars, emergency response vehicles and marching units for the parade. Those marching are invited to dress up in costume to be judged as an entry along with the floats.
Food will be collected along the parade route (Hazen Drive to Loudon Road to D'Amante Drive) for the “Scouting for Food” program sponsored by the Boy Scouts. Along with nonperishable food items, bring your letters to Santa. There will be someone collecting the letters and dropping them off at the post office to ensure delivery to the North Pole.
If you can't make the parade, you can still be in on the fun by making a financial donation to help cover expenses. According to Dick, it costs $6,000 to put the parade together. Police coverage, bands, awards and miscellaneous administrative costs all tally up.
For more information or to obtain an entry form, call Dick at 228-1803 or 496-2917.
