It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…at least for the Hammond Chamber of Commerce who has begun planning the 51^st annual Christmas parade, which is set to roll on December 5, 2009 at 5:00pm. Sponsored by long-time downtown restaurant, Rotolo’s Pizzeria, the parade marks the beginning of the Christmas season for many in the community.

          The Hammond Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring the Christmas parade to the Hammond community. Not only is it a fun, family-oriented event, but a way to honor our merchants and vendors at the beginning of the holiday season.

          Mitch Rotolo, owner of the Italian restaurant chain, has chosen the theme “All I want for Christmas is…” for this year’s parade. Knowing this theme could lend itself to a wide array of float ideas, Rotolo is encouraging all participants to have fun and be creative. As the sponsor of this year’s parade, he also hints that there will be some fun things in store for all of the attendees.

          As this year’s parade sponsor, Mitch Rotolo also had the honor of choosing the  Grand Marshal  After jokingly throwing around names like Brad Pitt, Rotolo decided that local hero Sgt. Brad McKee is the perfect choice.  Sgt. McKee is a two-time Iraq veteran and founder of The Disposable Heroes Project, whose mission is to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and spread awareness and thanks for our fallen troops and the ones that still serve us today. 

          The Hammond Christmas parade will have three areas where participants have a chance to win.  The judging categories are Commercial Float, Non-Commercial Float and Automobile.  In addition to offering 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place awards for winners in each judging category, the chamber is also offering an incentive to local high school and junior high school bands.  The first five high school bands will receive $250 for their participation and the first five Jr. High bands will receive $100.

          There will also be a designated float located at the end of the parade for parade goers to throw their unwanted beads back to the float.  This will help the Options organization with their efforts in collecting unwanted beads for future resale.

          The parade will follow the same route as last year, as well as offer the same prices to participate: $70 for commercial & non-commercial floats, $50 for vehicles and $30 for walking groups.  Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested in participating in the parade are encouraged to register early.  The deadline to register is November 25th, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Registration forms, parade rules and regulations and the route are available at the Chamber office or online at www.hammondchamber.org.

          I’ll end as I started; it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas……. See you at the parade!

          The Hammond Chamber also invites everyone to come out for Music in the Park at Cate Square Park on November 22^nd to enjoy the James Bass Band from 3-6pm.  This is the finale of the Fall concert series so bring those dancin’ shoes and a picnic basket and let’s dance the afternoon away.  Music in the Park will resume with its monthly Spring series on the 4^th Sunday of the month from March 2010 through May 2010.  If you are interested in being a sponsor for Music in the Park in the spring, please contact the Chamber office at 985 345-4457.

          For more information about the Hammond Chamber of Commerce and the upcoming events, please visit www.hammondchamber.org  or call 985-345-4457.