The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is again preparing to add a lot of light to the day that has become known as “Black Friday,” when it continues the annual tradition of the “‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas Parade.”
The parade, which starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, is one highlight of the post-Thanksgiving weekend events that continue through Saturday, Nov. 28.
Chamber President Betsy Jensen explained that this is a family event, “geared to kids with the lights and music.”
Jensen urges participants to include “lots of lights, lots of music, and festive-looking floats.” Children, groups, and costumed walkers all add to the festive atmosphere and make the event enjoyable for the whole family, Jensen said, adding that in previous years even ice fishing houses made fun, interesting floats.
However, Jensen cautioned parade participants against wearing Santa costumes, as it would confuse young children who will remember Santa leading the parade. She also cautioned against throwing candy from vehicles, as potentially slick roads could make kids slip. Instead, she encouraged walkers to pass out candy if desired.
She said that the Chamber “loves to have sign ups early,” but will accept entrants until the day of the event. Entrants can sign up by contacting the Chamber at 283-9400 or using the registration form found in the November/December Chamber newsletter.
Several parade favorites will return this year, including well-known Togo musher Jamie Nelson and her sled dogs pulling Santa in a sleigh. Jensen also said that the Fort Frances Highlanders bagpipe group is scheduled to perform in the parade.
Events at Smokey Bear Park after the parade include hot chocolate and cookies, visits with Santa Claus, dog sled rides from Nelson and a drawing for a Coca-Cola bear.
The parade, a tradition the Chamber says is more than 20 years old, will run its normal route starting at the Chamber office, through downtown, past Smokey Bear Park and down Third Street and turn onto Fourth Street just past the Backus Community Center as it returns towards the Chamber office.
The event is sponsored by City Drug, Waschke Family GM Center and TruStar Federal Credit Union.
Before the parade, from 4-7 p.m., “King of the Road Entertainment” with John Streiff will fill the air with Christmas music, there will be a Falls Good Samaritan beef stew dinner at Shannon’s Square, and Mann’s Horse Drawn Wagons, by Gary Mann, will provide rides downtown.
These events do not mean that those hoping to get a start at their holiday shopping will miss out on the sales that have become popular on the day after Thanksgiving. Many local businesses will also participate in “Hometown Holiday Shopping Weekend” that Friday and Saturday. Jensen explained that many stores will open early on Friday and remain open until the parade starts.
Shoppers at participating local businesses can also register for Chamber Dollar gift certificates, among other prizes available in this year’s drawing, to be held Monday, Nov. 30.
“We thank you for supporting your home town and helping the local economy,” Jensen said to the community.
The local Rotary Club will also be sponsoring Free Movies with Santa at Cine 5 theater at noon on Saturday. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. The event includes family-friendly holiday films and another opportunity for children to meet Santa.
