Parade of Lights Friday

Watch carefully as windows in downtown Sidney can already be decorated in anticipation of the Parade of Lights. There could be snowmen, elves, reindeer pulling bright red sleighs, mangers with shepherds in awe of the newborn Jesus or Scrooge somewhere in his transformation. Then again, there could be gifts from the 12 days of Christmas.

The Parade of Lights is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 3. This year as in the past will be an event as much as a parade. However, unique to this year, the event will start with the downtown celebration, then escort Santa out of town as part of the parade. Effectively, events will be in reverse of tradition with Hickory Street Square interaction before the parade.

The theme of the window decorating, and Parade of Lights, is “Christmas Carols.” Everyone is encouraged to

Beginning at 3:30 p.m., children and parents can meet Santa and live reindeer at Hickory Street Square. The event includes hot chocolate provided by Sidney Regional Medical Center, the live reindeer provided by Viaero Wireless and take-home s'mores by Platte Valley Bank.

PlainsWestCASA will be offering a chili feed to Santa's fans. For $5, take part in a bowl of chili, a cinnamon roll and a bottle of water. Proceeds support the CASA programs. The chili feed is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Candle Light Tours of the Cheyenne County Museum and Commander's Home will be available 5 p..m. to 8 p.m. The museum and Commander's Home is just a short walk from the end of the parade and will offer a peak into the community's history.

Lighting of the Trees takes place at 5:45 p.m., with the Parade of Lights scheduled for 6 p.m. The parade will travel east on Illinois Street from 12th Avenue.

Winners of the window decorating and the parade will be announced on the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page on Monday, Dec. 6.