We all love a parade. And tonight, right here in the Twin Cities, we have the opportunity to enjoy a fine one indeed as the 33rd Annual Texarkana Christmas Parade cruises through Downtown Texarkana.
Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. at Festival Plaza on Front Street with entertainment including games and activities, a live Nativity scene and music to put everyone in the Christmas spirit. From 5 p.m. there will be an array of food and craft vendors offering treats and treasures at the Texas-side Farmers' Market at 305 Texas Blvd. The parade, which has a "Gingerbread Village" theme, begins at 7 p.m. The parade will begin on Broad Street and continue to Texas Boulevard, then to Third Street and up to State Line Avenue, ending at the downtown post office for the annual tree-lighting ceremony. This is a slight change from last year when part of the route included
Front Street. But the Broad Street venue will allow those in attendance to enjoy the beautifully decorated "Winter Wonderland" windows in many of the storefronts along the way
There are more than 100 entries in this year's parade-colorful floats, marching bands, dance troops, baton twirlers, antique cars, local celebrities on camels and so much more.
Of course, the star of the show is Santa Claus. That jolly old elf will once again be coming to Texarkana to say hello to boys and girls of all ages.
Yes, the Texarkana Christmas Parade offers something for the whole family. So come out a bit early and get a good place for parade watching. Like last year, there is a chance that stormy weather could postpone the parade. We will keep you up to date on our website and Facebook page. But with any luck the only thing you'll have to do is bundle up a bit for a touch of chill in the air.
But that's just the way it should be as Christmas comes to Texarkana.