‘Christmas Around the World’ theme for parade

The Krekeler Jewelers Christmas Parade, hosted by the Farmington Regional Chamber, will be held in downtown Farmington beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday. This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World.”

“One of my favorite things about living in a community like Farmington is the traditions that we’ve kept alive,” Jeff Krekeler said of the annual parade. “Christmas is such a magical time for children and families and every year I can’t wait for the Christmas Parade and opening of Winter Wonderland at Long Memorial Hall. I hope to see everyone in beautiful downtown Farmington Tuesday evening.”

The parade travels through the heart of downtown, beginning at Columbia and A Street, making its way east on Columbia, turning at Henry, traveling west on Liberty Street and completing its journey at Long Memorial Hall where Santa Claus will enter Winter Wonderland and visit with the children of Farmington for the first time this holiday season.

“The Christmas parade is always a special event in our community,” said Meagan Trask, office manager and member services specialist at the Farmington Regional Chamber. “It serves as the opening ceremony for Winter Wonderland, and you can really feel the holiday spirit in the air in downtown Farmington.”

Trask also said the Christmas parade is a fun opportunity for local businesses to gain visibility for their company by participating in the parade.

“There is no fee to enter the Christmas parade, and prize money is available for the top three parade entries,” she said.

First place will win $250, second will win $150 and third place will win $100.

To enter the parade, download and return the completed parade entry form, which can be found at http://cloud.chambermaster.com/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/739/File/FormandRulesforweb.pdf. Contact the chamber office at 573-756-3615 for more information.

Winter Wonderland will be open weeknights, Monday through Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2-23. For special group viewing on weekdays, contact Pam Inman, Parks and Recreation, at 756-2215 ext. 17.

Santa Claus arrives in Farmington on the back of a decorated fire truck during the 2013 Krekeler Jewelers Christmas Parade. This year’s parade is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday with the theme of “Christmas Around the World.” Wnter Wonderland at Long Memorial Hall opens following the parade, and will remain open from 6-8 p.m. on Monday through Friday through Dec. 23.