Parker plans to expand Christmas event this year

Above, Santa visits with a Parker area student during last year's Christmas celebration in Parker. Below, a teasingly good selection of prizes awaits the drawing. (Journal file photos)

PARKER – The pre-Christmas dinner and visit from Santa Claus at Parker Elementary School is a long tradition that organizers hope will get an extra retail sales boost this year. Also on tap for festivities this Saturday, Dec. 9, is a Christmas parade.

A variety of vendors will set up camp on Main Street beginning at 11 a.m., according to Carrie Sewell, Parker city clerk. Booths will include crafts, make-up, designer gift items, a hot chocolate-mix fundraiser and perhaps even a booth selling beverages like hot chocolate.

The parade will begin at 3:30 p.m., and everyone is invited to join in.

Beginning at 5 p.m., members of the Parker Area Ladies Association (PALS) will begin serving a Christmas Party dinner that includes chili, chicken and noodles, and hot dogs at the school.

Following dinner, a drawing for prizes will be held, and Saint Nick will stop by to drop off goodies and check in on what youngsters want under the tree this year.