Festivities downtown will kick off at 5 p.m. with the parade stepping off at 6 p.m.

The parade route will be the same – assembling at the base of Market St. and proceeding up Market St., left through the roundabout onto Pennsylvania Ave. and then right onto Hickory St.

This year’s theme is “Peace on Earth.”

Gary Lester has been selected as this year’s Grand Marshal.

Times Observer file photo Gary Lester has been selected as this year’s Grand Marshal for the Christmas Parade, set for Dec. 1. That will bring his W.A.C.K.O.s up to the front of the line.

That will bring the W.A.C.K.O.s – the Warren Area Cacophonic Kazoo Organization – right to the front of the line for this year’s parade.

Savannah Casey, administrative assistant with the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, said Annamarie Miller was last year’s grand marshal.

“She had the idea to bring back the Grand Marshal,” Casey said. “We always appreciate what Gary does.”

This year’s parade will include a special stop at the point where the city places a Christmas tree each year.

When Santa Clause arrives at that point, he’ll get out of his sleigh and lead a countdown to the lighting of that tree. Carolers from the Warren Music Conservatory will be at the point for that, as well.

The parade will be just one of many downtown activities that evening.

McKissock’s Whoville will host a downtown scavenger hunt for kids that will take them to downtown businesses. Any business that’s interested in getting involved with that can call the Chamber. THe same goes for entities looking to be a part of the parade.

Casey said there are also plans in the works for quasi-hayrides that will take people on a tour of downtown.

“All the businesses are doing something,” she said.

Photos with Santa will be available at 300 Second Ave. where Letters to Santa can also be written. A box for those letters will be available at the WCCBI as well from the day after Thanksgiving until Dec. 20.

The characters from Rudolph will also, Casey said, be available for photos at Allegheny Outfitters.

“His elves will answer you,” Casey assured.