Central Christmas Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday Morning

CENTRAL — Central will celebrate the 25th Annual Central Christmas Festival Dec. 2-4.  The highlight of the event will be the Central Christmas Parade, which will roll out of the Zoar Baptist Church parking lot at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

More than 100 floats, vehicles, and marching units are expected to participate.

The parade usually draws 4,000 to 5,000 people.

The weekend’s events also include a crafts fair, talent show, business expo, and Christmas carnival.  The weekend begins with the annual Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2.

The Central Community Chorus will perform at the ceremony.

The tree is traditionally located at the corner of Hooper and Sullivan roads.  The corner of Hooper and Sullivan will also be the scene of a Nativity Scene and a Christmas lighting display.

After the Christmas Parade on Saturday morning, a Crafts Fair, Talent Show, and Business Exhibition will be conducted at Central Middle School.

The carnival will be set up at Central Middle School, and will be open Friday night, Saturday day and night, and Sunday afternoon.

The Christmas festival is sponsored by the Central Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, call the Chamber at 261-5818 or go to www.cityofcentralchamber.com.