Christmas
village comes
to life

Holiday events officially kick off in Carrollton Nov. 26 with the reveal of window displays in local buildings, ceremonial lighting of Public Square and the annual Christmas parade.
The events begin at 4 p.m. with the window reveal, followed by judging of the displays by the Carrollton Business Women.
Colorful displays will light up Public Square at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Christmas parade at 6 p.m. The parade is sponsored by The Carroll County Messenger and McFadden Insurance and hosted by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.
Area businesses, organizations, youth groups, etc. are invited to share in the excitement of the parade.
Lineup for the parade begins at 4:30 p.m. All motorized entries larger than a pickup truck (fire trucks, ambulances, etc.) will line up at the county fairgrounds near the south end. Participants should follow signs to line up.
All other entries (floats, walking groups, cars, etc.) will line up on 3rd St., (former high school street). All entrants should enter off Park Ave. and follow the directions of volunteers. There is no pre-registration.
The parade route will march off at 6 p.m. and follow N. Lisbon St. to Public Square, travel around Public Square counter clockwise, west on W. Main St. and turn right onto N. High St. The parade will disburse in the municipal parking lot off of High St. Food trucks will be located in the lot.
Awards will be presented in the following categories:
Elfin Magic Award (entry best featuring children); Holiday Spirit Award (entry with the most enthusiastic participants); Tin Soldier Award (best marching or walking entry); Santa’s Sleigh Award (entry with the best theme in motion, such as a float or motorized vehicle); Rudolph’s Friends Award (best entry featuring animals); Fruitcake Award (entry with the most humorous display); Vintage Vehicle (best decorated car or truck display); and Christmas Star Award (entry displaying the best overall creativity, appearance and originality).
Members of the Masonic Lodge plan to offer hot chocolate to parade entrants as they wait for the parade to begin.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children following the parade in the former Sweeney Furniture building (located on N. Lisbon St. across from Fair Vision and just down the alley from the municipal parking lot) where hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn will be offered to youngsters.
Several businesses will keep their doors open later in the day and the McCook House museum will be open Saturday to offer tours of the Christmas tree displays from 1-7 p.m. with a singalong at 7 p.m.