Chamber of Commerce begins soliciting entries for parade

Above, city staff children and relatives ride in last year's parade. At right, Santa waves from his usual spot -- atop the Bullard fire truck.

The Bullard Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join them Monday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. for the annual Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park.

"This is the second year the chamber of commerce will present the parade," said chamber president Danny Ray. "We were honored when the city asked us to take over the event."

The chamber decided to keep as many of the city'parade traditions as possible -- such as the date being the first Monday of December, having Santa Claus ride on a Bullard Volunteer Fire Department fire truck and inviting all churches, groups and organizations to participate.

Participants are asked to line up at Bullard Middle School by 4:30 p.m.

And the chamber is currently soliciting those who would like to have floats.

The parade will follow the traditional route from the middle school, through town to the fourway stop, north to Sawyer and down to O.L. Ferrell City Park.

After the parade, BACC will present its annual "Christmas in the Park" with the lighting of a Christmas tree and refreshments.

Santa Claus will be there too to visit with the children.

"For the second year, the chamber will name a grand marshal to lead the parade and to serve as master of ceremonies at the park," said parade chair Cyndi Reed.

Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to call the chamber office at 903-894- 4238 for an entry form.

Santa pays a visit to Bullard's Christmas parade last year, dedicating time afterwards to take wishes from children. This year's parade is set for Dec. 4