Camden Christmas Parade organizers are finishing up final details for the December 8 parade. This year’s “Christmas Stories” themed event will be at 3 p.m. and as in years past, the line-up will be at Carhartt, beginning at 1 p.m.
Benton County Chamber Director Jenna Cole-Wilson said, “This year’s theme to the parade is Christmas Stories and we are asking participants to decorate their float according to their favorite Christmas story.”
All entries in line by 2 p.m. are eligible for judging. Cole-Wilson said there are five judging categories: float, horse, tractor, vehicle, and miscellaneous. “And of course, she added, “there will be one Grand Champion winner.”
According to Cole-Wilson, there are only two rules for the parade entrants: no 4-wheelers unless you are pulling a float and no Santa. She said, “We’ve already called the North Pole and Santa is excited to join us.”
All participants that do not wish to be judged, must be inside Carhartt gates by 2:30 p.m. She said, “We also ask that you call the chamber office to register your entry. There is no entry fee; however, we do like to keep track of the entrants. Also, if you are an entrant in the parade, we ask that you please use caution entering Carhartt parking lot. There will be three chamber people at the gate to direct traffic and there will be lots of excited children running around waiting to get on their float. Please be patient and cautious.”
Cole-Wilson finished with, “Marcus Bond is the 2018 Grand Marshal and we couldn’t be prouder! We are hoping for another great year at the parade with a lot of entries. Bundle up and bring the family and don’t forget a bag so the kids can collect all the candy. The Chamber wants to say a huge thank you to Carhartt for allowing us to use their parking lot to organize and get the parade underway. See you all at the parade.”