Getting started a little earlier than normal, Escalon Chamber of Commerce officials want to make sure they have plenty of time to get the word out – about Christmas on Main.

Taking after stores that put up the holiday decorations right alongside the Halloween costumes, the chamber is already putting the word out about the Dec. 14 event downtown.

“We just want to have a ‘Plan B’ this year and be ready,” said Escalon City Councilman and local businessman Robert Swift, who helps coordinate the Christmas on Main event with the chamber. He serves as emcee for the festivities and said past years have seen a washout on occasion, so they are definitely planning ahead.

“The celebration, with the parade and vendors, will be Saturday, Dec. 14 with a rain date of Sunday, Dec. 15,” Swift explained. “Festivities will start downtown at 3 p.m., the parade will be at 5:30 p.m. and Santa will arrive at the end of the parade, about 6 p.m., to visit with the kids.”

In between, there will be music provided by the Escalon High School Band and LilLana Cajias, performances by PowerHouse Dance groups, fire pits for making s’mores, vendors with a variety of wares, arts and crafts booths, food, projects for the kids and more.

“It’s a great time to do some shopping and enjoy yourself downtown,” said Swift.

Applications for vendors and the lighted holiday parade can be obtained on the City of Escalon website or at Oak Valley Community Bank.

Swift said announcing the dates so far in advance will help officials plan, and make sure that enough vendors could come on the alternate rain date.