EL DORADO CHRISTMAS PARADE
Posted on November 9, 2020
Winter Nights & Holiday Lights drive-through Christmas parade scheduled
The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce has announced that the annual Christmas parade is on, albeit in a different form this year.
The parade will be Thursday, Dec. 3 starting at 7 p.m. and continuing until 9 p.m. at the Union County Fairgrounds in El Dorado. Because of COVID-19 and state guidelines for events, this year’s parade will be a drive-through event, with all floats, dancers, bands and other groups stationed along a route through the Union County Fairgrounds.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health’s “Directive Regarding Large Outdoor Venues,” which includes parades, a written plan must be submitted to the state if there are to be more than 100 people in attendance of said event. There must be lines or cues for entrances and exits, with a designated number of volunteers to monitor these precautions.
The Chamber has submitted a plan for the Christmas Parade to the state and is currently waiting approval.
“We have made the decision to have the El Dorado Christmas Parade as a drive-through event this year,” said Bill Luther, president and chief executive officer of the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce. “Because of the state’s precautions due to COVID-19, we will not be able to have the traditional parade route going down Northwest Avenue. Though it will be very different this year, we are just thankful we will still be able to hold the event.”
Viewers will drive through the parade route in their vehicles. Cars will enter the parade starting from Highway 167 to Champagnolle Road, then turning right onto 19th Street. After viewing the parade through the fairgrounds, cars will exit on 19th Street, heading towards North West Avenue.
All floats, cars, trucks, walking groups, etc. will be able to enter the parade per usual; the only difference is there will be no horses this year.
Since the parade will be so different this year, the Chamber has decided to add a People’s Choice Award, where viewers can text the number of their favorite float to the Chamber. By the end of the parade, the Chamber will be able to announce the People’s Choice Award winner.
Several nonprofits will be at the entrance collecting items for their agencies.
The Chamber is currently accepting entries for the Christmas Parade to help light up the night in El Dorado. This year, the Chamber wants to make the Union County Fairgrounds as bright as possible with as many lights as can be shone.
The Chamber will be accepting Christmas Parade entry forms through 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Entry forms can be found at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce at 111 W. Main Street in El Dorado, by calling 870-863-6113 or at goeldorado.com. Email Jaren Books, Chamber membership and events coordinator for more information at Jaren@goeldorado.com.
Participants who enter floats should keep in mind the height of their float so that everyone can see their bright lights and festive cheer. Once the Chamber receives all entry forms, all of the entries will be contacted to pick up information packets, which will include the numbers and information for the parade.
Entry Fees are as follows:$50 for large Float (18’ and larger) $40 for small Float (smaller than 18’) $35 for walking groups, dance groups and bands $35 for a decorated car/truck and or beauty king or queen car $35 for customized show cars/trucks As in years past, Grand Marshals of the parade, a fifth-grade boy and girl selected by each Union County school, will open and begin the parade.
“We hope everyone will come out to this year’s parade,” Luther said. “We look forwarding to hosting this event at the Union County Fairgrounds and hopefully spreading some Christmas cheer!” For more information about this year’s Christmas Parade, contact jaren@goeldorado.com or call 870-863-6113 ext. 2.
The El Dorado Christmas Parade is an annual tradition that draws thousands of spectators from the region. The parade is organized by the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce and a legion of community volunteers.