The holiday season is just around the corner and the City of Butler, Butler Radio Network, and Peoples want to help you and your family celebrate with the 55th annual Butler Spirit of Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 30th.
The parade down Main Street begins at 5:30 p.m. — rain, snow, or shine — and every float, dance troupe, band, or other participant must include lights in its display. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas.”
Each year, a group of Peoples employees, family members, and retirees volunteer their evenings to help build the Peoples’ parade float, with themes in the past that have included Santa’s Workshop, The Night Before Christmas, Charlie Brown Christmas, and the Island of Misfit Toys. This year, our volunteers have come up with a theme straight out of a storybook: Whoville, featuring some favorite Dr. Seuss-inspired characters.
In addition to float construction, our employees and their family members from all over our service territory walk the parade route with our float and pass out glow sticks to children watching along the way.
Floats are eligible to win prizes in three categories — commercial, non-profit, and open — and judging begins at 3:30 p.m. Judges determine winners based on a number of factors including adherence to the parade theme, creativity and originality of design and materials, and use of lights. Be sure to look out for the winners along the parade route!
Though billed as the Spirit of Christmas Parade, this is a daylong event held throughout downtown Butler with activities for the whole family.
Bring your children to Storybook Land from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Butler Public Library and enjoy free, fun, literacy-themed holiday activities for those under age 12. Every child who attends will receive a free book compliments of Peoples and the Butler Radio Network.
Also from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., visit the Main Street Parking Lot near the Peoples building to visit the selfie station to take photos with Elfie and friends. We encourage everyone to bring new toys or clothing items to participate in Stuff-a-Bus, in partnership with the Butler Transit Authority.
Visitors can also test out their skating abilities on the synthetic skating rink in the Peoples parking lot. Skates are provided, but you can bring your own as well for a 15-minute skating session. Then head over to the Butler City Fire Department to warm up with hot chocolate, courtesy of Peoples.
If you want to experience all the fun for yourself but can’t make it out to Butler to celebrate with us, this year you are in luck. The parade will be televised from inside the Peoples building on Main Street so you can enjoy it right from your own home. Check your local listings to find your broadcast station.
We hope to see you there!