(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce reports a slight policy change is coming for those who wish to participate in the City of Atlantic’s annual “Lighted Christmas Parade.” The parade will fill downtown Atlantic with holiday cheer Saturday, December 7th, starting at 6-p.m. Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith says “Due to a growing crowd size the last few years, the Chamber is implementing a ‘no’ policy for throwing any items, including candy, from floats this year. If float participants want to hand anything out during the parade, they may do so by walking the sidewalks of Chestnut Street but may not distribute any type of product on the street during the parade.

“Public safety is always our top concern when implementing any type of event in town,” Smith says. “We love how much everyone enjoys this parade and are so proud to see it get bigger every year. We think with this minor adjustment, we’ll be able to keep people from congregating to the middle of the street and avoid any major safety issues.”

Each float will have a holiday theme, lighting and music. Awards will be given for: Best Overall, Best Holiday Spirit and Twinkle Twinkle award. Fireworks will kick off the Christmas magic over the Rock Island Depot, starting at 6 PM. The Lighted Parade & Fireworks are sponsored by A.M. Cohron & Son, McDermott & Son Roofing and Rush, CPA & Associates. Bailey Smith says “The Fireworks and Lighted Parade is a holiday tradition that Atlantic families look forward to every year. It’s always fun to see how creative people get with their light displays each year.”

Lighted Parade & Fireworks in downtown Atlantic, IA. (Chamber file photo)

Before the parade, join Santa and Atlantic Hy-Vee at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA beginning at 9 AM for ‘Pancakes with Santa’ and other fun activities. Santa will be in his Cabin in City Park following pancakes from 3 PM – 5:30 PM. Pancakes with Santa is sponsored by Smith Land Service, Atlantic Dental Center, Sonntag Development and Nishna Valley Dental.

If you would like to participate in the Lighted Parade, visit www.atlanticiowa.com for a registration form. Line-up begins at 5-p.m. at 6th & Walnut Street with judging beginning at 5:30-p.m. Registration is not required, but is encouraged.

Pick up a Christmas brochure from area retail businesses, ‘like’ the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan) to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com. Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA or #ChristmasinAtlantic and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook or Instagram pages. Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce with any