An afternoon and evening of old-fashioned community holiday fun is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 in downtown Escalon.

Activities will range from the traditional fire pits for preparing s’mores to vendor booths, musical entertainment to a chance to visit with Santa Claus.

“We really want to encourage our local businesses to get involved in the parade,” said Robert Swift, one of the event chairs. “Anybody can be in the parade; you just need to light up your entry.”

School and community groups have traditionally taken part, but this year Swift said they also want to see more local businesses represented as well.

Events start with the decorating of the ‘giving trees’ at 3 p.m., adjacent to the historic caboose in the city’s Main Street Park. Vendor and food booths can open at 3 p.m., there will be a variety of children’s activities as well and the Ballet Folklorico group will kick off the day’s entertainment at the Main Street Stage at 3 p.m.

Also due to perform are Grace Resendes and MacKenzie Schrotenboer with a flute duet at 3:45 p.m.; Escalon High School Band at 4:15 p.m.; LilLana Cajias at 4:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Parade of Lights is at 5:30 p.m., with Santa due to arrive at the end of the parade, about 6 p.m., to meet and greet local youngsters and hear their holiday wishes.

This will be a perfect time to do some holiday shopping among unique vendors, enjoy sounds of the season, roast marshmallows to share s’mores and start the season off with a true community event.

For those interested in hosting a booth, helping to sponsor the event or getting involved in the parade, contact Swift at 595-5013, Deverie Voral at 988-8030 or Debbie Murken at 402-0505.