(Oct. 1, 2015) The town of Berlin is more than a month into planning for its annual Christmas Parade and slots for participants are filling up quickly.
This 45th annual parade will carry the theme of “Toyland in Berlin” as it marches down Main Street Dec. 3 from 7-9 p.m.
Beginning at the corner of Powellton Avenue and Main Street, the parade will run south and conclude at the corner of South Main and Tripoli streets.
Categories in the parade are adult- and student-sponsored floats, adult and children’s marching and performing units, fire companies, commercial units, vehicle clubs, motorcycles, antique cars, school bands, ROTC marching units and “crowned youth.”
Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category.
New this year will be the inclusion of holiday characters during parade.
“We’ll have some new visitors,” Administrative Assistant Sharon Timmons said. “Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch and Olaf from ‘Frozen’ will be here. We’ve talked them all into coming.”
Berlin Main Street, in cooperation with the merchants of the town, sponsors annual event. All costs of conducting the parade are covered by donations from Berlin area merchants and entry fees.
Because of the increased costs of staging the event, most categories are being asked to pay an entry fee of $10. Commercial entries cost $25.
The deadline for entry is Nov. 20, and entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The parade will be limited to 80 entries.
Other currently scheduled holiday events include Berlin’s annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Arts Night, Nov. 27 from 5:30-9 p.m.
On the following day, the town will start collecting letters to Santa. Every child who sends a letter will receive a letter in return from Saint Nick himself, along with a surprise.
Starting on Dec. 5, Mrs. Claus will have story time events in the Visitor’s Center from noon to 3 on Saturdays.
Horse and carriage rides will also be offered, for a small fee, during the month of December.
Shops in Berlin can also participate in the “Win the Window” contest during the month, creating displays of giveaways and inviting customers to fill out entry forms for a chance to win items.
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Berlins will start at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Timmons said it’s no small task juggling all of the holiday events in Berlin.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into this,” she said. “I actually started planning a month ago, sending letters, getting a list together for participants and writing letters to businesses for donations. We’ve already received probably a dozen calls for new entries in the Christmas parade alone.
“It’s a lot of work and there’s a lot of volunteerism and we appreciate all the help we get,” Timmons continued. “If anybody wants to volunteer, give me a call. We’re more than happy to have them.”
For more information, contact Timmons at 410-629-1716 or stimmons@berlinmd.gov.
This 45th annual parade will carry the theme of “Toyland in Berlin” as it marches down Main Street Dec. 3 from 7-9 p.m.
Beginning at the corner of Powellton Avenue and Main Street, the parade will run south and conclude at the corner of South Main and Tripoli streets.
Categories in the parade are adult- and student-sponsored floats, adult and children’s marching and performing units, fire companies, commercial units, vehicle clubs, motorcycles, antique cars, school bands, ROTC marching units and “crowned youth.”
Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category.
New this year will be the inclusion of holiday characters during parade.
“We’ll have some new visitors,” Administrative Assistant Sharon Timmons said. “Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch and Olaf from ‘Frozen’ will be here. We’ve talked them all into coming.”
Berlin Main Street, in cooperation with the merchants of the town, sponsors annual event. All costs of conducting the parade are covered by donations from Berlin area merchants and entry fees.
Because of the increased costs of staging the event, most categories are being asked to pay an entry fee of $10. Commercial entries cost $25.
The deadline for entry is Nov. 20, and entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The parade will be limited to 80 entries.
Other currently scheduled holiday events include Berlin’s annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Arts Night, Nov. 27 from 5:30-9 p.m.
On the following day, the town will start collecting letters to Santa. Every child who sends a letter will receive a letter in return from Saint Nick himself, along with a surprise.
Starting on Dec. 5, Mrs. Claus will have story time events in the Visitor’s Center from noon to 3 on Saturdays.
Horse and carriage rides will also be offered, for a small fee, during the month of December.
Shops in Berlin can also participate in the “Win the Window” contest during the month, creating displays of giveaways and inviting customers to fill out entry forms for a chance to win items.
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Berlins will start at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Timmons said it’s no small task juggling all of the holiday events in Berlin.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into this,” she said. “I actually started planning a month ago, sending letters, getting a list together for participants and writing letters to businesses for donations. We’ve already received probably a dozen calls for new entries in the Christmas parade alone.
“It’s a lot of work and there’s a lot of volunteerism and we appreciate all the help we get,” Timmons continued. “If anybody wants to volunteer, give me a call. We’re more than happy to have them.”
For more information, contact Timmons at 410-629-1716 or stimmons@berlinmd.gov.