It’s time to start planning your entry for the 2024 Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 in downtown Bowie.
Theme for the festival this year is “Candy Cane Christmas” opening up a vast range of ideas for your lighted parade entry from float to classic car.
Entry deadline is Nov. 16. Find your entry form on the city website under Bowie Community Development, Christmas festival. Fill in your entry from and return to the office at 101 E. Pecan.
There is a $250 cash prize for the overall sweepstakes winner with a $100 price for first place and $50 for second in each of the following categories: Community/non-profit, business, equestrian and decorated vehicles. There is a special award for best theme decorated First Responder.
All entries must include Christmas lights of some form. No live Santas are permitted. The parade is at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7. Parade line-up begins at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 with judging at 5:15 p.m.
No items may be thrown or handed to the crowd including candy due to safety and liability concerns. Those with questions may call the BCDB office at 940-872-6246.
The parade is the highlight of the annual festival which marks its 33rd year. Bowie was one of the first communities in North Texas to present a lighted Christmas parade and Fantasy of Lights has grown each year.
The festival features a Sip & Stroll event on Dec. 6 as a prelude while Saturday has Pancakes with Santa and a downtown tree lighting prior to the downtown parade.