Scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, it will be the official kickoff of the holiday season in downtown Escalon, with the annual Christmas on Main celebration. Hours for the festivities are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the much-anticipated light parade steps off at 5:30 p.m.

Booths will open in and around the city’s Main Street Park at 3 p.m., with a variety of merchandise vendors, food booths, beverages, crafts and more.

Entertainment is also scheduled on the Main Street Stage, beginning with the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Singers at 3:45 p.m.; the Escalon High School Choir at 4 p.m.; and Powerhouse Dance taking over the stage at 4:15 p.m.

The entertainment will take a break during the parade and serving as Grand Marshal for this year is Escalon Chamber of Commerce President Pat Brown. Those interested in learning more about the parade and how to get involved can contact Debbie Murken at 209-402-0505. Check-in for the parade will be in front of the Escalon Post Office at Third and Coley beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 6.

All entries must be outfitted with some type of Christmas lighting. Santa Claus will be riding in the parade and, afterward, will be available at The Shoppe on Main Street to meet with kids and pose for photos.

Following the parade, LilLana Cajias is scheduled to take the stage to round out the day’s musical entertainment.

“At 6:30 p.m., the Library will be hosting Bingo and a ‘Frozen’ sing-a-long,” Murken said. “We will also have s’mores again.”

Fire pits set up in the park provide the area for toasting the marshmallows for families to enjoy the sweet s’mores treat. Organizers also hope to have some ‘snow’ falling in the park as they have the past few years.

Sponsored by the Escalon Chamber of Commerce, the annual Christmas on Main event offers a family-friendly way to usher in the month of December and start the countdown to Christmas.