Jack Frost Festival of Lights Parade -- Theme Announced

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, October 22, 2009 - Plans for the 15th Annual Jack Frost Festival of Lights Parade are under way. This year's parade theme is Jack Frost's Crystal Anniversary. The parade will be held on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. beginning at the Carnegie Library on Aurora Street and continuing through downtown Ironwood. Float entries are due by Monday, November 23, 2009. Forms are available at the Ironwood Chamber office or on line www.ironwoodmi.org.

Leading the parade this year as grand parade marshals will be the Gogebic Range Trail Authority. Also, for the first time, the parade will have junior parade marshals, announced Ironwood chamber director, Kim Kolesar. The Ice Crystals have been selected since they fit in perfectly with this year’s theme. Charter Communications will once again be televising the event live with WUPM commentators Chuck Gervasio and Laura Kella.

There will be many opportunities for folks to enjoy activities scheduled before and after parade night. A tree lighting ceremony is scheduled in the Pocket Park in downtown Ironwood on Friday, November 20 at 4:00 p.m. The popular Gingerbread House Workshop and contest is currently being planned for November and the Claudette’s will be performing at Theatre North in December. The annual Hot Cocoa Craft sale will be held at All Saints Academy gym on Sunday, December 6. Before the parade the Carnegie Library will be holding a Jack Frost story time beginning at 5:00 p.m. After the parade, kids can visit Santa and Mrs. Clause at Candy Cane Court located at River Valley State Bank lobby. Also, after the parade, the Gogebic Range Band will be holding their annual Christmas Concert at the Ironwood Memorial Building. Those wishing to list their event on the Jack Frost calendar will need to contact the Ironwood Chamber office by November 1.

A live WUPM radio broadcast will be held on the day of the Jack Frost Parade from 9 a.m.-Noon at Jack Frost headquarters, better known as Hitt’s Fine Furniture. WIMI Radio is once again sponsoring the Jack Frost Store Window Decorating Contest which is open to all Ironwood Area Businesses. The winner will receive an advertising certificate from the radio station and the official Jack Frost Store Window Decorating Traveling Trophy to display at their business until next year’s festival. The Ironwood Chamber will be holding their annual $10,000 Jack Frost raffle. Tickets cost $100.00. Only 200 tickets are sold. There are seven (7) great cash prizes with $5,000 being the first prize. Numbers will be drawn at the Carnegie Library prior to the start of the parade and then displayed on the Ironwood Fire Department truck in the parade. The Ironwood Business & Professional Women’s Club will also be holding their annual 50/50 raffle. Tickets cost $1.00.

Any street vendor, group or organization who would like to sell food or crafts on parade night must fill out a vendor registration form available at the Chamber office.

There are MANY ways to participate and share in the excitement of the Jack Frost Festival. Enter a float, organize an event, sell your merchandise, make a Gingerbread House or help organize festival activities. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 906/932-1122.