Parade Gets New Territory

Some of the businesses along Poplar Street are already gearing up for the Holiday Lights Parade on Thursday and the street has never looked more festive.

The parade that is set to move at 6 p.m. will be taking a different route than it has in the past.

"We decided to change the parade route to let the uptown businesses to be a part of the lights parade," fire Chief John Dunning said.

The parade will begin in front of East Side School and turn left onto Skaggs Street, then make a left onto Poplar Street traveling west in front of downtown Harrisburg businesses. The parade will then make a left onto south Main Street ending at the Harrisburg Town & Country Lions Club Building.

In the past there has been categories for the best decorated home along the parade route. Though this has not changed, they have added a new category to award the most decorated business.

"That has been one of the things that has been an idea from the beginning, to get everyone involved in the parade again," Dunning said.

There will be candy, treats and prizes for the kids hosted by the Lions Club after the parade is over. Santa also will be there for photo opportunities.

The Harrisburg Fire Department and the Town & Country Lions Club would like to invite all the homes and businesses along the parade route to get involved and make this one of Southern Illinois' best holiday traditions.

This year's grand marshal is Mayor Dale Fowler.

Time is growing short, but if you still want to be a part of the parade, bring your float or group to Church Street between 4 and 5:30 p.m. and list the name of the person in charge, organization, address, phone number, and theme of your entry.

For more details call the Harrisburg Fire Depart meant at 253-4121 or Shirley Cain 841-6178