Holiday parade entry deadline Monday; parade is Nov. 29

ALPENA — If you are planning to have a float or entry in this year’s Bolenz Jewelry Holiday Parade, make sure to get your forms into the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce office before 5 p.m. on Monday. The parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.

As always, a Christmas/holiday design should be the dominating factor when decorating your float or parade entry. From there, let your imagination be your guide. Entries will be judged on originality, overall appearance, and lighting effort extended. Holiday music is highly encouraged.

Registration forms are available at the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce office at 235 W. Chisholm St., downtown Alpena, or at alpenachamber.com. Late registrations will not be accepted. Entries without registration will not be allowed in the parade.

Winners will be announced via social media the evening of Nov. 29 and in the press on Saturday, Nov. 30. Entries will compete for trophies and cash prizes in both categories, Commercial and Non-Commercial (1st = $200; 2nd = $150; 3rd = $100).

If you have questions, contact the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-354-4181.

R.O.C. Worldwide Candle Lighting Sunday, Dec. 8

ALPENA — Remembering Our Children, a grief support group for families who have lost a child of any age, will participate in a Worldwide Candle Lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Grace Lutheran Church, 119 W. Dunbar St. Participants will join R.O.C. in celebrating the life and memory of children who have passed.

The evening will include inspirational music, readings, candle lighting, a PowerPoint presentation, and recitation of each child’s name. Light refreshments and time for sharing will follow. Candles will be provided. Attendees may personalize and hang an ornament on the Remembrance Tree.

Feel free to bring a picture or special remembrance of your child to display, or wear a shirt with your child’s photo on it. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the candle lighting ceremony will be held outdoors.

If you want your child’s photo to be included in the slideshow, please call 989-884-2348. Text and then email Cathy at kaszcat@yahoo.com before Dec. 1.

If you have other questions, call Karen at 989-619-7728 or Polly at 989-356-0849.

New, unwrapped toys will be collected for Toys for Kids, in memory of children who have passed.