Christmas Season officially kicks off on Saturday with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Hometown Christmas Parade and the lighting of the Enchanted Forest in Lions Club Park.
The Parade will begin at 6 p.m. downtown at Walnut and Austin streets and go to Market and on to Lion’s Club Park. Area businesses, beauty queens and individuals all decorate floats and vehicles for Christmas in Jefferson’s only night-time parade.
The Enchanted Forest, managed by the Jefferson Lion’s Club, has over 100 decorated Christmas trees, all sponsored by various businesses and individuals in Jefferson, which light up and ring in the Holidays.
The community is encouraged to gather with family and friends for Christmas Carol singing, entertainment and the Grand Finale lighting of the Christmas Trees. Then children may visit with Santa after he arrives with the parade atop the Fire Engine.
The Jefferson Lion’s Club is responsible for organizing and setting up the trees in recent years, but was originally sponsored by the Historic Jefferson Foundation back in 1991.
Setting up Lion’s Park for the Enchanted Forest involves both Lions, area volunteers, and students from Jefferson ISD, to install the fresh cut trees and electrical system for lights the week before Thanksgiving, and culminated with a “Decorating Party” last Sunday. The Enchanted Forest is lit each night at dusk and is free to walk through and enjoy through the end of the year.
Santa Claus will also be on hand, arriving on the back of a Jefferson Fire Truck, to help with the festivities and get those last minute requests from children after the ceremonies.
The Jimplecute will be live streaming the parade on their FaceBook and YouTube Channels.