Starke Christmas Parade, a 5K and more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
Christmas is returning to Call Street next week, with another multi-day event for families to celebrate the season and the community.
With games, vendors, rides, entertainment, an evening light parade and breakfast with Santa, there will be something for everyone.
Christmas will come early for the winners of the 2021 Miss Winterfest Pageant, taking place at the Starke Woman’s Club on Walnut Street at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9. Sponsored by the Downtown Merchants, categories include Christmas attire and formalwear, with winners chosen in four age categories from 4 to 21. Winners will receive crowns and sashes and take part in public appearances throughout Christmas on Call Street.
Vendors will begin setting up at the Downtown Square around 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10. This will be a center for activities during the holiday event, including the Christmas tree lighting and live Nativity scene at 6:45 p.m. that night. Cart rides will be available for $5 beginning at 6 p.m., and there will be music and a community service beginning at 7 p.m.
Also taking place next Friday is the Holly Jolly 5K, sponsored by the Bradford County Health Department. The 5K will begin at 5:30 p.m., with in-person registration beginning at 4:30. You may also sign up on line at https://bit.ly/3xIDjFZ. The first 25 recipients will receive a free backpack, and there will be many other goodies for participants. Organizers suggest bringing a light or glowstick to wear. Anyone under 18 will need an adult to participate with them.
In advance of Saturday’s Christmas parade, families can come to the square beginning at 10 a.m. to visit vendors and play kids games. Live entertainment will begin at 11 a.m., and a car show will take place from 3 to 5 p.m.
The parade is set to start at 6 p.m., and there is still time to put in an application to participate. The deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 7. Contact the chamber a 904-964-5278 or [email protected].
For those showing up to view the parade, line-up begins in front of the Starke Emergency Room. The parade will travel west on Call Street to U.S. 301, then make a right. It will go north on 301 to Jackson Street, then make a right, and disband at the city parking lot.
Following the parade, Santa will make his way to the Downtown Square for family photos. You may also make reservations to have breakfast with Santa at the Downtown Grill on Sunday, Dec. 12, beginning at 9 a.m.
