Cameron Christmas Parade will have a Texan twist

Cameron’s holiday tradition will have a Texan flair this year.

The Cameron Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Cameron. This year’s theme is “Merry Texas Christmas Ya’ll.”

Activities downtown will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a great line-up of arts and crafts vendors, jewelry, jams and jellies, vegetables and more, along with food and snacks provided by area organizations. The Yoe  FFA will have hot coco and s’mores.

Downtown merchants The Bling Box and The Mini Pearl, along with others, will be open before and after the parade with some Christmas specials and treats. There is still room for arts and crafts, food and other vendors to participate in our Christmas Parade downtown activities. You can call the Chamber office at (254) 697-4979 for more information.

Kids young and old can stop by Old Town Cameron Museum on Main Street to visit with Santa and get a photo. Children are invited to write a letter to Santa and drop it in Santa’s Mailbox. OTC will also have the movie “Polar Express” playing before, during and after parade, along with their miniature trains running on schedule.  A brass quartet will play Christmas music before the parade at the OTC.  

There will be carolers and folkloric dancers while you stroll the square to eat and enjoy the festivities before the parade begins. There will decorations and areas for Christmas themed photos in the center of the square. 

“We are looking forward to a great turn out of entries as people have been talking about the decorations and designs of their floats since the end of last year’s parade,” Melanie Reed, Director of Retail and Tourism, said. “With the snow last year, it was just a magical evening in downtown Cameron.  Micah Holcomb, our Parade Chair has been praying for snow again for this year.”

Reed said people who attended from Austin last year commented on what a wonderful parade and community support Cameron people displayed that evening.  

“They said they felt the warmth of our hometown atmosphere, fellowship and friendship within our community, even on such a cold and wintery night,” she said. “People greeting each other with big smiles and happy faces, they were glad to have participated.” 

Parade entries will be announced and judged in front of the Milam County Museum and Juvenile Probation on West First Street.  

Reed said the Chamber is selling Christmas Parade T-Shirts this year by pre-sale only. You may purchase the shirts by going to the Cameron Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or website and click on the link to order.  Deadline for ordering shirts is noon on Nov. 26.  The deadline has been extended due to the holidays.

“We are still accepting parade entry forms with the deadline being Nov. 30 at 3 p.m.” Reed said. “To get a great spot in the lineup, please submit by the deadline.” 

The parade route will be same as last year.  The parade line up will be down Main Street and entries will be notified Dec. 4 of their assigned lineup number. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. by crossing Crockett Street going east on Main Street then turn left onto Travis Street, going two blocks and turning right onto West 2nd Street and continuing, then turn right onto Houston, continues turning left onto W 1st St continuing around the square turning right onto Fannin, then turning right onto East Main, and then turning right onto Houston. Parade entries will continue down Houston and will be directed by volunteers to turn off at Gillis or continue and turn onto Tyson to avoid back up congestion. Parade entries are asked not to stop on Houston to left people off your float or vehicle. This is a safety issue and slows the parade.  

Reed would like to thank the Parade Committee and staff for all their assistance in organizing this event: Chair Micah Holcomb, Lyndi Sander, Ross Towery and Maddie Kostroun.