Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce gears up for Christmas parade

The Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas parade next at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 9.

Chamber director Rhonda Crawford said this year’s theme is ‘Let it Snow with a Warm and Cozy, Ugly Sweater’.

“The Christmas parade is a chamber event,” Crawford said. “I think for our community, this is the time to make a float for your church, your group. You have a captive audience.”

Prior to 2016, the parade was typically held on Friday with a tree-lighting Saturday. This year, the two will be combined in one event.

“Last year we had the event on a Wednesday night, and that didn’t work out because we are such a church-oriented community,” Crawford said. “We grow every year, we listen to everyone’s concerns and complaints.”

Crawford said she added a bit more variety to the 2017 parade with the inclusion of horses, which she said has its own catagory.

“We did add an equine category so that you can ride your horse and get judged on how your horse is presented,” Crawford said.

There are multiple categories for the parade, however only one winner will receive a hand-made trophy designed by Ezell Aviation’s own Chad Ezell for best float. The incorporation of cash prizes for first, second and third place will be determined at the chamber’s meeting Wednesday.

Crawford hopes moving the chamber’s award ceremony from October to February, will encourage community members to participate in the parade.

“We’re kind of hoping that will give some incentive when you see business of the year, citizen of the year and ag. citizen rolling through,” Crawford said.

Crawford said TxDOT usually incorporates a large snowplow machine, while the chamber includes tractors in the parade’s route.

“We’re hoping Mike Fields [former ag citizen of the year] will ride in a tractor for us this year to participate,” Crawford said.

This year, the parade was originally scheduled a week prior to the set date, but moved a week back so the Breckenridge High School ‘Pride of Breckenridge’ Marching Band could make the event. In addition to the band performing “Jingle Bells”, it will also be selling hot cocoa, accompanied by baked goods for purchase.

“I’m expecting a big turnout,” Crawford said. “Breckenridge, you better get out here. We show up, you show out. Everybody, any business should participate in this,” Crawford said.

The chamber will accept float entrances until the day before the event, as they arrange the lineup that night and post online.

Citizens can download and print float registration forms online or Facebook, or go to the chamber to complete the paperwork.