Some folks might think it’s way too early to start thinking about sleigh bells, stockings and Santa, but not Nicole Stirrett.
The executive director of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local children to put on their yuletide thinking caps and enter the 2015 Christmas Parade Theme Contest.
Kids are being asked to submit their ideas for this year’s holiday parade, which is scheduled to roll through downtown Oxford on Saturday, Dec. 5.
‘I’m trying to get the community more involved and I think the best way to start is with children,? Stirrett said. ‘We actually have gotten a lot of responses.?
Kids are free to submit any and all innovative ideas they may have. The only limit is their imagination.
‘It’s really good for kids to feel like they have a voice,? Stirrett said.
She’s been quite impressed with the ideas submitted thus far. They’ve included a ‘decades? theme with floats featuring various periods like, for example, the 1970s; a Charlie Brown cartoon theme; and a ‘giving? theme in which attendees would be encouraged to bring donations for the less fortunate.
Entries must be received by Monday, Sept. 14. Each must include the child’s name, age and theme idea. Kids are free to express themselves any way they wish, be it with a single word or a detailed proposal.
‘One little girl said she wanted candy (to be the theme),? Stirrett noted.
To enter, please visit the chamber’s website www.oxfordchamber.net or fill out the application on Page 27 of this week’s Leader and either mail it to the chamber (P.O. Box 142) or drop it off at the chamber office (22 W. Burdick St.).
‘The winner will receive recognition and an award presented to them on the day of the parade,? Stirrett said.
Stirrett noted this contest is ‘the first of many new ways to get the public involved in our community.?
She firmly believes increasing citizen participation is an excellent way to give a ‘boost? to local businesses.
‘The chamber wants (people) to get involved where they live and get excited to be part of Oxford,? Stirrett said.