The Jennings County Chamber of Commerce is inviting everyone to join in a celebration of spring at the First Community Easter Parade on Saturday in downtown North Vernon.
“Everyone just seems so tired of winter this year, we thought it would be a great time to start an annual celebration for the coming of spring,” said Marie Shepherd, Jennings County Chamber of Commerce director.
Chamber members decided at a recent committee meeting that they wanted to do something to cheer up the community.
“It was kind of a last-minute decision, but we thought since a lot of people will be out for Easter egg hunts and doing last-minute Easter shopping, a parade through town would be a great way to bring everyone together,” Shepherd said.
“Evidently, a lot of people were ready for something like this because the response has been great. Within just a few days after the first announcement, we had 17 applications for entries in the parade. Already we have floats, music, dancers and walkers lined up, and I am sure we will have a lot more by Saturday,” she added.
Organizations, groups and individuals who want to participate in the parade should contact the Jennings County Chamber of Commerce by Wednesday.
A traveling trophy will be awarded for the best float in the parade. The trophy will be presented at the Park Theatre Civic Centre after the parade.
Also after the parade, a sweepstakes drawing for a $500 cash egg will be conducted.
Entries for the drawing will be available at participating merchants Friday and Saturday. Merchants interested in participating as sponsors for the cash egg prize should contact the chamber at 812-346-2339. A list of participating merchants will be available at the chamber and at local businesses before Friday.
The Jennings County Chamber of Commerce also is sponsoring a free movie, “Hop,” at the Park Theatre Civic Centre at 3:30 p.m.
“It looks like this is going to be a lot of fun for everyone. We’re going to make things bigger and better next year, but I think this is going to be a really good way to get things going this year,” said Shepherd.
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WHAT: Easter parade.
WHERE: Downtown North Vernon. Parade begins near the post office on O&M Street.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday.
WHO: Open to the public.
COST: Free.
NOTABLE: A free showing of the movie “Hop” follows the parade at 3:30 p.m. at the Park Theatre Civic Centre, 25 N. Madison Ave., in downtown North Vernon.
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