Celebrating freedom

Chamber adds watermelon-eating contest to pre-parade events

By Donnita Fisher

Managing Editor

The Fourth of July will be a non-stop celebration in Canton complete with parades, parties, First Monday and fireworks.

Parade, watermelon, fireworks

The Canton Chamber of Commerce is looking for entries for their Fourth of July parade set for 7 p.m. July 4.

 The chamber would also like to recognize local veterans by putting on parade floats. Contact the chamber office and “we will have rides for the parade all set up,” said Laura Mendoza, chamber office administrator.

In addition to the veterans, children are asked to decorate their bikes and trikes and ride in the parade.

Entries in the parade can range from business vehicles to classic cars to personal transportation, Mendoza said. “Do you want the community to see you and your business? Do you have a truck or car you can put some red white and blue on? Do you have a classic car that you want to show off? Did you know there are monetary prizes?” she said.

First prize, sponsored by Fuller Towing and Recovery Service, is $200. Second place earns $150 and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Canton. Hester and Hester PC, CPAs is sponsoring third place at $100.

The prizes for the Best Youth, Best Animal and Best Vehicle entries is $75 each. Those awards are sponsored by American National Bank of Texas, My Credit Union and Sarah Clayton State Farm Agency, respectively.

Because the parade is a fundraiser for the Chamber, entry fee is $25. (There is no fee for children’s bike parade entries.)

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