Clay County Times-Democrat: Local News: Rector Christmas ParadeThursday (11/29/12)

This float by the First United Methodist Church won first place in the 2011 Rector Christmas Parade. The 2012 parade is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, and will feature a wealth of entries and participants.

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Santa Claus, floats, beauty queens, antique cars and a variety of other entries will be featured in the annual Rector Christmas Parade set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6.

The annual parade also coincides with the illumination of Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town. For information on late entries individuals may contact Cathy Manning at 595-3501.

Grand Marshall Betty Benson will lead the parade, which will feature Army National Guard Color Guard. The Rector Area Chamber of Commerce will present awards of $100 to the winning float design and $25 for the best sponsored Christmas decoration in conjunction with the celebration.

The parade will begin at the corner of Third and Main streets in downtown Rector and conclude at the community center, where a big Christmas reception for the entire community will take place.

Santa Claus will be present at the reception to hear Christmas wishes and free refreshments will be served.

This year's program will feature performances by the Rector High School band and choir, as well as the newly-formed faculty and staff choir. Rector Elementary kindergarteners, first graders and second graders will be singing Christmas Carols as a very special addition to the program.