Lighted parade rescheduled for this Friday in Highland

Mother Nature washed out the Highland Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade last Friday, but the parade has been rescheduled for this Friday, and the weather forecast is for clear skies the second time around.

“Thank you for being so patient last Friday,” a statement from Highland Chamber of Commerce executive director Nancie Zobrist said. “We tried to hold out as long as possible before calling the parade off, but it seems the weather cards were stacked against us. There were several factors that played into our cancellation of the parade. It was a tough decision to make, but I know it was the right one. No worries though, we have been able to reschedule the Christmas Parade and Fun Run for Dec. 4.”

The theme for this year’s parade is “Hometown Christmas.” Floats will be decorated featuring the sights and sounds of a traditional Christmas.

Parade line-up will be at the Highland Upper Elementary parking lot. The parade will begin at 7:15 p.m. and travel down Lindenthal, going northwest. It then turns north on Washington and ends at the downtown Square.

Santa will be on the Chamber of Commerce float at the end of the parade.

The annual Lighted Christmas Parade will have a fun twist on it this year. The festivities will start off with a 2-mile fun run. The run will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the Square. Runners will trace the parade route to Highland Elementary School, where there will be a turn around back to the finish at the Square. Participants are encouraged to dress fes tively and glow — literally. Chamber ambassadors will be selling glow stick. Cost to participate in the run is $12. Register at www.highlandillinois.com.

Chamber ambassadors will be selling a variety of glow items for $5 and $10. The Lions Club will be giving away hot chocolate, and the Highland Muny Santa Band will play. There will also be carriage rides available.

Because of the change in parade date, the chamber has lost some of its volunteers to other commitments. If you are available to volunteer, call the chamber office at 654-3721.

This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 3:23 AM with the headline "Lighted parade rescheduled for this Friday in Highland."