Light it up

Downtown Main Street lights up as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates their seventh annual Holiday Lights Parade. This year’s theme is ‘Holiday Stories.? The parade will be on Sat. Dec. 8.
‘We are really proud of the lighted parade. There are not a lot of communities that do this. Every year the entries, the effort that people go to, and the creativity, amazes me. I just love seeing what they can do with lights,? said Penny Shanks, Chamber executive director.
There is no cost to enter a float, vehicle, or walking group in the parade, which can includes youth groups, service clubs and businesses/organizations.
‘We are looking at 40-50 entries, most of them are floats. We get a lot of community groups, scout groups that do things for the parade,? said Shanks. ‘It’s really a nice hometown parade.?
Groups are up for one of six award: Main Street award for the best use of lighting, Church Street award for best costumes, Washington Street award for most creative entry, Buffalo Street award for best use of theme, Depot Street award for most holiday spirit (largest group participation in the parade) and the President’s award.
‘The warmest feeling in Clarkston on the coldest day of the year, that’s how it feels,? said Donna Clancy, parade chairperson.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will follow the traditional parade route through downtown. For a parade entry form or more information visit www.clarkston.org or stop by the chamber during business hours Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.