RISON - Rison Shine Community Development is seeking floats for its annual Cleveland County Christmas Parade next Thursday, Dec. 7 in downtown Rison.
This year's parade will conclude with a Christmas Party in the Park on Main Street.
Parade organizers are encouraging local school classes, churches, businesses and other groups to put together a float for the parade.
"Since announcing the parade, we have had more businesses and local groups planning to participate than we've ever had," said Douglas Boultinghouse with Rison Shine.
"It's shaping up to be our best parade yet." New this year, kids of all ages are invited to decorate their bicycles to ride in the special section of the parade. Kids under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Gateway Bank will sponsor prizes for the best floats and bikes. In the float category, prizes are $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. In the bicycle category, prizes are $15 for first place and $10 for second place.
Floats will gather at the gate of the Pioneer Village around 6:40 p.m. and make their way through the Green House Cottages of Southern Hills before heading north on Main Street.
Registration is not required for the parade in advance.
Party in the Park This year's parade with coincide with a Christmas Party in the Park featuring downtown areas businesses. Many local businesses will stay open later for shopping and dining prior to the parade.
In addition, free booth space is available for churches, businesses, civic groups or vendors to set up in the downtown area from 5 to 7 p.m.
Registration is not required, but space is limited.
After making his arrival in the parade, Santa will mingle in the park for photos and cocoa.
Real Estate Solutions will host a "Deck Your Home" mini Christmas tree decorating contest in the park. Pre-decorated Christmas trees, approximately 2-feet tall and smaller, can be brought to the park from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for judging. Gift card prizes will be given to the winners.
If the tree decorators allow, the Cleveland County Herald would like to display the decorated trees with each designer's name in its windows on Main Street throughout the holiday season.
Following the parade, guests are encouraged to visit the Pioneer Village for the drive-thru Christmas light display.
For more information, call (870) 325-6412.