CHRISTMAS PARADE BOATS 80 ENTRIES

JACKSON -- Jackson residents are readying for a "Hometown Christmas" -- the theme for this year's Jackson Jaycees Christmas Parade.

Float judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. and the parade at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. It will begin on the corner of Madison and High streets, proceed down Main Street and end at the Schaper IGA Foodliner.

Jennifer Martin, parade chairwoman, said there are about 80 entries in the parade, including high school bands, businesses, individuals with antique cars and even a golf cart.

"We've had a lot come in at the last minute," she said. "The response has been wonderful."

It's the first year for many Jackson businesses to participate. Century 21 Dutch Realty will have a float for the first time, and all the employees helped work on it.

Dutch Realty owner Gene Mackey said his staff decided to enter when Pam Masterson, who works in the office, suggested it.

"At first, we just looked at her," Mackey said. "But then we got together and built it. It won't be Rose Bowl Parade quality, but we're proud of it."

The float will feature a 7-foot-tall house with a slightly shorter snowman and Christmas tree in front. Children will ride on the float and throw candy to onlookers.

"The theme of Hometown Christmas was perfect for us because we sell homes," Mackey said. "In the last six or seven years, this parade really has turned into something big."

Patty Reisenbichler with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce helped plan the parade and also helped construct a float. She is on the Drug Advisory Council, which has entered a float for the past four years and won three prizes.

This year's float is themed "Together We Can" and will promote family, school, community and church unity in fighting drug abuse.

"We've put a lot of time and effort into this float," Reisenbichler said. "There's still more to be done."

The parade will be preceded and followed by several other Christmas events in Jackson, including a breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Orchard Drive Elementary cafeteria and a lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. at Jackson City Park.