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GC Christmas Parade Set for Dec. 2 With New Time Change

From staff reports

The holidays are just around the corner and Gate City officials are putting the final touches on their annual Christmas parade.

And the folks at Natural Tunnel State Park are celebrating the special day with 13 festive events.

2006 Gate City Christmas Parade

Organizers are  changing  the time for the 2006 version of Gate City Christmas Parade.

The annual event, sponsored by the Gate City Fire Department, is planned for Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Gate City.

Because of the new starting time, line-up for the parade is also moved up to being at 4 p.m. at Gate City High School.

Children and their parents are invited to hang around after the parade to meet and greet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be distributing treats at the Scott County Courthouse in downtown Gate City.

“There will be no specific theme this year, and we are asking participants to be creative and see what happens,” stated Roger Cassell, Gate City Fire Chief.

The parade route begins at Gate City High School on Jones Street and continues past the Gate City Post Office to Jackson Street. At Jackson Street, participants will follow along the main street through the downtown area to Moccasin Avenue.

The route turns left onto Moccasin Avenue and then another left onto Water (Back Street) Street. At the intersection of Water and Kane, participants turn onto Kane Street and head back to the school grounds.

Organizers request that no live Santa should be represented in parade entries.

All entries are urged to sign up early so organizers can adequately plan for space. To register, call 386-6300.

12 Days of Christmas

The 12 Days of Christmas Tunnel Lightings at Natural Tunnel State Park. The kick-off events begins Friday, Nov. 24 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. each Friday and Saturday evening.

You are invited to enjoy the holiday light displays from the chairlift or the boardwalk. While viewing the lights, listen to seasonal music on Friday and Saturday nights performed by local churches and other groups.

Young and old can also get their photo taken with Santa in the visitor center. The chairlift and visitor center are open until 9 p.m. during each event. Concessions are also available on the boardwalk.

Any person who brings a non-perishable food item will receive a free chairlift ride for two special days. Give a Friend a Lift is slated for Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25. All food donations will be given to a local food bank.

A very special performance by the Three Bells United Methodist Church Choir highlights the Night before the Night before Christmas. A special lighting of the tunnel is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 23.

For more information on any events at the park, call 940-1643 or 940-2674. 

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