The date for this year’s Christmas on Main has been set for Saturday, Dec. 13 with a rain date of Sunday, Dec. 14 and is the chance for residents to share in the holiday spirit with family and friends.

The Escalon Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event includes booths, a holiday light parade, visits with Santa, making of s’mores, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Also due back this year is the popular hay wagon rides around the downtown area.

“Christmas on Main celebrates the season by offering a pleasant community event that highlights the benefits of small-town living,” the chamber website notes.

On the schedule to date: Byrd’s music presentation at 3 p.m., vendor and food booths open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with an Escalon High School band performance due on stage at 3:45 p.m.

Powerhouse Dance Studio takes the stage in the Main Street Park at 4:30 p.m. and the Parade of Lights starts at 5:30 p.m.

Parade entries must feature some type of holiday lighting and the parade will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus, who will then spend some time with children hearing their holiday wishes.

For businesses, clubs or service organizations interested in hosting a booth, providing some event sponsorship or participating in the parade, contact Debbie Murken at 402-0505, Robert Swift at 595-5013 or Julia Robertson at 821-3072.

“Some of the businesses on Main Street, many of them, will keep their doors open that night for shoppers,” said Swift, who added that the afternoon and evening celebration is a great way to welcome in the holiday season.

The fire pits in the city’s Main Street Park are used to provide warmth and to roast marshmallows for s’mores and performers also utilize the stage throughout the day to entertain the crowd.