Published: November 03, 2009 10:16 pm      

Local chamber calls for flurry of decorations

Christmas parade, home tour, lighting ceremony planned

Special to the Daily Progress



The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the city of Jacksonville to decorate for the upcoming Old Fashioned Christmas holiday activities.

“The holiday season is packed with activities and it’s important that the community helps spread the Christmas spirit and decorates local businesses and homes,” the chamber said.

The chamber has purchased 25 new Christmas banners with light enhancers, and will have the decorations up by Thanksgiving.

“We are encouraging everyone to participate in the holiday activities and start by helping decorate the community,” the chamber said

Several activities are planned for the 2009 Old Fashioned Christmas. The Jacksonville Christmas Parade will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 3. The Lighting of the Hazel Tilton Park will follow the Christmas parade. The Tour of Homes will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 13.

The Christmas parade has a new route this year. The parade will begin on Commerce Street at the intersection of Patton Street, continue on Commerce Street, turn left on Austin Street at the Tomato Bowl, and left again on Wilson Street behind Norman Activity Center, continue on Wilson Street and turn left on Bonner Street. The parade will end at the county tax office.

If the parade is canceled due to the weather, it will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Entry forms for the parade are available at the chamber, 526 E. Commerce. The deadline to enter the parade is be Nov. 30. For more information, contact Melody Walters, Christmas parade chair at 903-284-0010.

The Lighting of the Hazel Tilton Park will be held at the corner of U.S. Highway 69 and Main Street. The lighting will be moved to 6:45 p.m. Dec. 7 if it is canceled due to the weather. For more information, contact the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Retail Association, 903- 586- 2217.

Those who are participating in the Tour of Homes include Mr. and Mrs. David Counahan, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Bannister, Mr. and Mrs. Will Cumbee and Mr. Rob Gowin. The hospitality business is Tigerlillies. Tickets for the Tour of Homes can be purchased the week of Thanksgiving at the chamber and Tigerlillies, 109 E. Commerce St.

For more information, contact Sarah Martin at the chamber, 903-586-2217.