The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce invites area residents to enjoy the lighted parade on Saturday, December 1st, through downtown Atlantic. The parade is an annual tradition and competition. For many years the parade theme has been “Just Believe.” The judges’ favorite float is awarded a two-foot traveling trophy and year-long bragging rights. The top three floats receive AtlantiCash prizes. Past parade winners include Heritage House, Red Oak Fire Department, Optimist Club of Atlantic, and Richter & Son Towing.

Entry forms can be submitted just prior to the parade to officials at the corner of 6^th & Chestnut. Line-up will be on Walnut Street by 5:45 p.m. The parade starts with a bang at 6 p.m. as fireworks are set off above the Rock Island Depot. Led by the Scrooge Contest winner, the parade will proceed up Chestnut Street starting at 6^th Street.

Other activities planned

Many family-oriented activities will take place before and during the parade starting off in the morning with a 5K Jingle Jog by the YMCA at 8 a.m.

The BPO DOES Cookie and Candy Walk will be from 9 a.m. to noon. at the Elks Lodge (6^th and Poplar streets) through the bottom northwest door.

The Festival of Trees will be open for viewing at the Catholic Parish Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Santa will be in the Atlantic Rotary Club’s cabin in City Park under the newly-lit trees from 3 to 5 p.m.

Free horse-drawn wagon rides will trot through town from 3 to 5 p.m. starting at the north end of City Park. The rides are sponsored by First Whitney Bank, Wells Fargo, Atlantic Animal Health Center, and Audiological Services of Iowa.

A mainstay of hometown holiday celebrations, living windows will be featured throughout the downtown area from 5 to 6 p.m.

The Lullabye Foundation’s Bedtime Stories with Santa’s Helpers will also be from 5 to 6 p.m. at 405 Chestnut Street.

From soup to cider, spectators will find refreshments offered along Chestnut Street before the parade by several community organizations.

All of Atlantic’s holiday activities can be found on ChristmasinAtlantic.com. Events can be submitted to the calendar by e-mailing chamber@atlanticiowa.com.