Expect even the lights to move at the 2012 Holiday Lights Parade this weekend.
“The theme is ‘Lights that Move, Tunes that Grove,’ which emphasizes moving lights and music,” said Kyle Hughes, advisor for Clarkston High School’s Team RUSH, which is organizing the parade.
About 40 floats will march in the parade, 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, on Main Street from Community Education north to St. Daniel Church.
“The Clarkston Holiday Lights parade is truly a special hometown parade where the floats are hand crafted and really fun,? Hughes said. ‘With the theme of moving parts, now groups and organizations are really trying to get their floats to have moving parts. You won’t see many of these floats in other parades because they are created by groups or organizations from the local Clarkston community.”
Parade judges will select float winners in five categories: Most Creative, Best Use of Theme, Holiday Spirit, Best Use of Music, and Best Overall Parade Entry.
“All of the floats are really great and it can be very difficult to narrow down to one winner in each category,” Hughes said.
Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors hosts a tree lighting ceremony and greeting from Santa after the parade in Depot Park.
‘It’s a nice extra bonus for families and an opportunity to experience the Christmas season,? said Lisa L. Christensen, recreation coordinator, Independence Township Parks and Recreation.
The park and playground will be decorated with thousands of lights. Activities will include carolers, live reindeer, holiday music, free coffee and hot cocoa, hot dogs for $1, free popcorn and children’s activities, plus write a letter to Santa and bring it with you, or write one while in the park.
“Remember to dress warm,” Christensen said. ‘It’s always a really good turn out ? we’ve done a good job of establishing a tradition.?
Parking is available at Clarkston Elementary, Clarkston Junior High School, downtown Clarkston lots, and Depot Park.
For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 248-625-8223 or visit www.itpr.org.