CANEY — Next Thursday night, Dec. 2, will be the official debut for Santa Claus as he ushers in the Christmas season at the Caney Christmas Parade at 7 p.m., in downtown Caney.

The parade is sponsored annually by the Caney Chamber of Commerce. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled for Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. Following the parade, Santa will be visiting with boys and girls at the  Christian Cowboy Ministries Church, 4th and State. Candy will also be given to each boy and girl.

The Caney parade has been deemed as one of the area’s largest nighttime Christmas parades thanks to the participation of the many people who enter the parade. Assisting with the parade route will be Caney Fire Department members.

This year, the chamber is changing the event somewhat by instigating different theme categories which are: The True Meaning of Christmas, That’s the Spirit,  Best Use of Lights, Music Music, Automobile in True Christmas Color, Most Original, Christmas Carolers on Parade (adult or children), Over the Hill to Grandma’s House (sleigh or buggy), Oh Christmas Tree, Let It Snow, Rudolph the Red Nose (horse, dog, llama, etc), Fire Department with the Best Christmas Theme, Christmas Carol Theme, Best Inflatable Christmas, The Tractor with the Mostest, Away in the Manger, Drummer Boy (boys) or Girl (girls), Bikes-A-Glow, Twinkle Toes and Big Nose. Organizers are hoping for a large turnout of entries this year and believe by having the category themes will make for some fun, beautiful and interesting entries.

There is also in change in the distribution of candy during the parade. Because of some near misses in previous parades with candy being thrown to children, candy is still welcome but must be handed out by a walker or walkers alongside the unit.

To enter the parade, call the chamber office at (620) 879-5131 or stop by at 301 W. 4th for a parade entry form anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. When calling by phone, designate what theme you or your group will be using.

Lions Club chili feed. The Caney Lions Club Chili Feed will also be held Dec. 2 at the Caney First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 4th and Main, with serving from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Advanced tickets can be purchased for $5 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults and $4 for children.

All children age 5 and younger are admitted free.

The Lions Club Chili Feed is one of the long-standing traditions of the Caney Christmas Parade night.