A longtime Keene businessman is the grand marshal and another resident who does multiple good deeds is parade marshal for the 27th annual Keene Christmas Light Parade at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 in Keene. The parade will be followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
The parade and fireworks are presented by the Keene Business Development Corporation (Type B board), with assistance from Pinnacle Bank and many community partners.
Anything with wheels, feet, or hooves, adorned with Christmas lights and is consistent with the theme, “The Reason We Celebrate This Season,” is welcome to participate. Parade staging is at the Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium parking lot at Old Betsy Road and Magnolia Street on the campus of Southwestern Adventist University.
Richard Bothe, who has owned General Insurance Service in Keene for 30-plus years, is Grand Marshal. He was a charter member of the Keene Economic Development board, has served on the Keene Chamber of Commerce board, and is currently serving on the Keene ISD school board. Bothe was named in October by the Keene Chamber of Commerce as Keene Citizen of the Year.
Yddo Ortiz, owner of Mop & Broom Cleaning Service, is Parade Marshal. Although known for his many years managing the program that displays U.S. flags along Old Betsy Road, Ortiz has assisted many needy families by arranging for furniture, appliances, food and financial help, all the while remaining in the background.
Registration deadline and fee
Parade entry fee is $10 per float and can be paid at the registration booth.
Fireworks show
The fireworks show will immediately follow the parade. The show will be presented west of the Duck Pond at Callicott Student Park. According to organizers, the best place to watch the fireworks is from the Leiske-Pultar parking lot or the embankment along Old Betsy Road between Magnolia and Campus Drive.
Judging of entries
Parade entrants who want to be judged and be eligible for prizes should be in position at 5 p.m. in the Leiske-Pultar parking lot. Judging begins at 5:15 p.m.
All entrants should enter the gymnasium parking lot on Magnolia Street.
Parade route
The parade starts at the Leiske-Pultar parking lot and goes west on Magnolia to Old Betsy Road, south on Old Betsy to Hillcrest, east on Hillcrest to Mockingbird, south on Mockingbird to Fourth, west on Fourth to Old Betsy, and north on Old Betsy back to the Leiske-Pultar parking lot.
Entry awards
First-place trophies will be awarded in the following categories:
■ Best lighted vehicle
■ Best lighted float
■ Best animal entry
■ Best business entry
■ Best children’s entry
■ Best Pathfinder club
■ Best Adventurer club
■ Best antique entry
■ Most unique entry
One entry will be awarded Best Overall and will receive a trophy.
The parade is organized by the Keene Chamber of Commerce. Other sponsors are KTH Transportation, Texas Adventist Conference, Southwestern Adventist University, Quality Brakes & Alignment, Cleburne Ford, Hopps Automotive, United Cooperative Services, RV Ranch, Bob’s Rural Garbage Service, Crest Water, Edward Jones Office of David Sykes, Gillin Realty, Hewlett Office Systems, Keene Pharmacy, Town Hall Estates, and Putnam Service/Lennox.
In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, the parade will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10.
For parade entry information, call the chamber office at 817-556-2995.
