The downtown Christmas parade is back by popular demand this year on Dec. 7, and the float entry deadline is approaching.
The Rotary Christmas Parade was resurrected by the power of Rotary, with sponsorship by City of Chilliwack.
"We're excited to see some creative floats and entries starting coming in," said parade co-organizer Sharon Dueck.
The deadline is coming up on Nov. 22, so get those entries going, say organizers.
"We're here to really nurture this event," she said.
They're looking for more entries, as well as performers and volunteers, and they're spreading out the action east of Five Corners, so there's no bottleneck for the viewers in the middle.
Some complain the downtown core is "all about the street people," but it's so much more.
"We need to take it back this year with a great parade. People want to be part of their downtown community and this is a way of giving back."
They've been given the nod with permission to set up extra bleachers along the parade route. There will be a stage and bleachers near Decades, as well as the bleachers on Mill Street, Princess Lane and Fletcher.
"We've got the creativity and the talent to make it amazing," Dueck said. "We have so much talent in Chilliwack it's crazy!"
There will be buskers and performers of diverse talents, market vendors and chili in the section east of Five Corners care of Bowls of Hope. The Vineyard community will be making handmade ornaments.
"The addition of bleachers will make it easier for. everyone to see, and the City of Chilliwack has approved extra lighting in the downtown which will be just fabulous," she enthused.
Entries are trickling in.
"But we need more. This is crunch time if you're going to enter a float."
Forms are at the Sutton Downtown Business Centre at 9240 Young Road.
Go ahead. Get involved. Call 604-997-4465 or 604-997-4495. More at http://chilliwackchristmasparade.com/