The premier event of the season, Christmas in the Park, set for Thursday, Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is adding a new feature that is sure to please pretty much everyone, says Kayla McFarland, Special Events Coordinator.
“Who doesn’t like a parade?” she asked. “We’re adding a mini-parade around the City Hall sidewalks to the Christmas in the Park event and are inviting groups, businesses, civic organizations, individuals, scout troops, bands, floats and anyone who wants to be part of the parade to sign up.”
The Christmas Parade will be fully contained in the Murphy Municipal Complex, avoiding vehicular traffic, and maintaining a safe route for pull wagons, bicycles, walkers, and other non-street legal motorized vehicles.The parade opens the seasonal event with a 5 p.m. walk off from the open area behind the Fire Department. The quarter-mile route then winds along the sidewalk adjacent to the City pond, then turns along City Hall Court over the bridge toward the large practice fields where it again turns toward the grassy mall directly in front of the City Hall entrance where booths, exhibits and the Community Christmas Tree will be set up. Mayor Eric Barna will be joined by Santa Claus in the traditional lighting of the tree at the conclusion of the parade.
“We’re accepting applications online at www.murphytx.org,” she said. “There is no charge to enter, and since it’s off the street, we welcome golf carts, ATVs, wagons, bikes, marching bands, or anything else that is pre-approved by the organizers.” Deadline for entering is 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20.
The theme for the inaugural parade is both simple and classic: “Holiday Traditions.” Prizes will be awarded for Most Creative Mini Float in the Business Category; Most Creative Mini Float in the Church/Civic Category; and Most Creative Mini Float in the Band/School Category.
Entries must be in place no later than 4:15 p.m. on the day of the parade. Questions can be sent via email to events@murphytx.org.
“We are extremely excited about this new addition, and we encourage people to come early and bring their lawn chairs to stake out their choice viewing spots,” she said.
Also, the staff is accepting online applications for the annual Recycle Tree Decorating Contest. Available at www.murphytx.org the application will entitle a group, family or individual to decorate pre-lit, 6-ft. trees in the City Hall foyer with recyclable materials. This year’s mandatory special item is recyclable water bottles. Entries will be judged on the creative inclusion of the special item along with the tree’s overall look. Deadline for applications is 5 p.m., Nov. 20.
