What has music, friendly faces, great sites, lots of laughter and twinkles all over? The annual Clarkston Holiday Lights Parade of course!
Join the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. for the fifth annual celebration of lights and sounds.
‘This is my third year as chair of the parade committee and I still love the energy that people put into their floats,? said Steve Hyer. ‘It’s bigger and better this year, and I’m looking forward to what people create.?
Currently, over 40 entries are scheduled; however, Hyer said last minute participants can still contact the chamber office. All participants will again meet at the Clarkston Community Education building, and a warming station is sponsored by Clarkston Big Boy at Clarkston Elementary.
This year’s theme is ‘Holiday Wish List.?
‘Every year we try to come up with something as a guideline, but general enough for creativity to flow,? said Hyer. ‘I think this year we’ll see a lot more than the normal CD players and video games. I think we’ll see a lot of themes on peace and such.?
However, the highlight for the parade every year is the couple in red, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The amazing duo, sponsored by LaSalle Bank, will travel in style atop an Independence Township Fire Engine.
To start the festivities at 5 p.m., there is a community sing-along in front of Clarkston State Bank on Main Street with music by Jim Tedder, Tedder Productions. Also at this time, Clarkston State Bank is handing out lighted necklaces (quantities limited).
The parade steps off right at 6 p.m. and follows the traditional route down Church Street onto Main Street, through the heart of downtown, and end at St. Daniel’s on Miller Road.
According to Police Chief Ernie Combs, the following road closings begin at 5:30 p.m. and will last the duration of the parade, or about 7:30 p.m.:
? northbound White Lake Road near Dixie Highway intersection,
? north and sounthbound Main Street from Waldon to Clarkston roads,
? Clarkston Road at Perry Lake Road,
? southbound Holcomb at Bluegrass Road, and
? Buffalo at Waldon Road.
Combs suggested the following detours: Waldon Road to Sashabaw Road to I-75, or take I-75 and exit at Dixie Highway or Sashabaw Road.
Chamber corporate sponsors for the parade include the Law Offices of Robert Kostin; Smith’s Disposal; Hubbell, Roth and Clark; Sunrise Assisted Living, Red Knapp’s American Grill; and Al Deeby Dodge.
For more information or to volunteer the evening of the parade, please call the chamber office at 248-625-8055.