Parade of Lights offering $50 incentive for early entries for Nov. 30 event in Medina

File photo by Tom Rivers: Students in the Albion FFA show off their float during last year’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 25. This year’s parade is Nov. 30.

MEDINA – Jim Hancock is counting down the days.

“There are only 54 days until the 16th annual Parade of Lights,” said Hancock, who has helped lead the event for nearly 15 years.

“We’re already planning this year’s event and have had several committee meetings,” he said.

He hopes people, businesses and organizations will start planning their float.

“We are offering an early-bird incentive to get your entries in,” Hancock said. “The first 10 who submit their float entry form before Halloween will get a $50 reward.”early-bird

They must appear in the parade to receive the $50, Hancock said.

Regular entries will be accepted until Nov. 24 for the parade, this year scheduled on Nov. 30.

He urges everyone, including individuals, not-for-profits, religious groups, fire departments, commercial groups, service clubs and organizations or agricultural groups to enter a float in the parade.

Floats are judged in seven Best in Class awards and a Grand Champion. In addition, four special awards will include a Star Award for the most creative float; Littlest Elf Award for the entry that best incorporates youth and adults in their float; Community Spirit Award, given to the entry that best illustrates a community spirit from the community they come from; and Santa’s Pick Award, for the entry that in the opinion of the judges would be the one Santa himself would choose for an award.

Entries can be submitted by logging on to Olde Tyme Christmas and clicking on “Registration and other forms,” or by calling Hancock at (585) 798-2118.