ASHLAND – With temperatures expected to plummet in North Central Ohio Saturday, the weather will be perfect when Santa Claus comes to town Saturday night.
As is tradition, Santa will ride the final float during the annual Ashland Holiday Parade which will step off at 6 p.m. Saturday at the corner of Broad and Main streets.
The theme for this year’s parade is “What Christmas Means to Me,” according to Jim Hofer, parade committee chairman for the Ashland Evening Lions Club, sponsors of the event.
Hofer said there are 46 entries in this year’s parade, including several newcomers including T-Mobile and Tzers. Although the numbers are down a little from recent years, there will still be plenty of Hofer’s favorite part of the parade: lights.
“Since we moved it to an evening parade, all the lights on the float, I think it makes it look nicer,” Hofer said.
Judges for this year’s parade floats are Rosemarie Donley of Associated Charities, Stan Kopp of Ashland Noon Lions Club and Chris Box of the Ashland Historical Society.
Floats will be judged based on creativity, theme-related and overall appearance. Awards will be give for first, second and third places in commercial and non-commercial categories.
The grand marshals for the 2016 parade are Ashland Police Chief Dave Marcelli and Ashland Fire Chief Rick Anderson.
After the parade, Santa will be at Home Hardware to greet any youngsters who would like to talk with him.
Ashland Emblem Club 61 will be serving hot chocolate in front of Mike’s Music on Main Street before and during the parade. Donations will be accepted.
With rain and/or snow in the forecast for Saturday, Hofer encouraged paradegoers to listen to WMAN or WNCO for any cancellation announcements. Hofer said he will try to make an announcement by 4 p.m.
The Ashland County Historical Society will host its annual Candlelight Christmas Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The Manor House, Noonan House and Carriage Houses will be decorated for the Christmas season and open for tours.
