The citizens of McKenzie and Georgiana will officially kick off the Christmas season this weekend with no less than two parades plus a holiday bazaar.

The festivities begin bright and early in south Butler County this Saturday. The Town of McKenzie once again hosts its annual Christmas parade through the heart of this little community.

The McKenzie parade is slated for 10 a.m. Dec. 2. All entrants are asked to be at the high school by 9:15 a.m. and no later than 9:30 a.m. in order for their entries to be judged. First, second and third places winners will be chosen by the judges.

Among those participating will be Georgiana High School’s band, who will be fed by McKenzie citizens before returning to their home town that day.

There is no fee to participate in the McKenzie parade, with everyone welcome to deck out themselves, their golf carts, motor vehicles, wagons and equines and come join in the festive fun.  For more information, contact McKenzie Town Hall at 374-2311.

And speaking of the GHS Panther Band, they will be performing in Georgiana’s parade slated for 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon.  All entrants are asked to join the line up at 1 p.m.; there is also no fee to participate in the second parade of south Butler County’s day. The folks at Georgiana City Hall invite you to “come on down and join in.” Call them at 376-2555 for additional information.

Candy will be thrown from the floats and other vehicles in both parades, so youngsters are invited to bring their empty bags to gather their goodies as the parade passes by—while accompanying adults are reminded to keep an eye on the youngsters so that everyone stays safe and sound. Santa, of course, will be on hand for both parades atop the big red fire truck.

And in between the floats, bands and candy, the ladies of the Three Arts Club of Georgiana and Chapman invite you to stop in at the Georgiana Community House for their annual Christmas bazaar featuring homemade crafts and festive Christmas decor, home-baked goods and their ever-popular boxed lunches. This year’s event is slated from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., wrapping things up in time for that afternoon’s parade.

“We will have even more baked goods at this year’s bazaar, including homemade cookies in our boxed lunches. The lunches also include a tasty sub sandwich and chips for just $5,” says Brenda Gruenewald of the Three Arts Club. “We have taken pre-orders, but we will also have extra boxes on hand to purchase.”

Along with the crafts and edible treats, an assortment of white elephant finds at bargain prices—from bric-a-brac to good reads—will be on offer at the bazaar, says Gruenewald.

And someone very special is stopping in at the community house between the parade festivities.

“Santa will be there and we invite parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to bring their cameras and the kids to take photos with him,” Gruenewald says.

The proceeds from the annual holiday bazaar and boxed lunch sales go in support of many projects year-round in the city and county, including college scholarships for eligible high school senior girls in Butler County.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars—it’s all happening this Saturday in McKenzie and Georgiana.