The annual Art Hop
celebration and Christmas parade is scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday morning, Dec. 4 and 5, in downtown Wayland.
Art Hop will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. A Wayland Fire Department pancake breakfast will be held from 7 to 10:30 the next morning, followed by the annual parade at 11 a.m.
The Art Hop always features local and area artists showcasing their work at a variety of downtown business sites. Some of the art work will be for sale.
Downtown streets one block in each direction from the downtown four corners will be closed to vehicular traffic to make walking from business to business safe for visitors.
A public vote will determine the winners of the competition. First place will bring $500, second will get $250 and third, $150. The top Young Adult entry (ages 13 to 18) will receive $75 and $25 will go to the Junior category (under age 13) .
Other activities planned for Friday evening, Dec. 4, will be an annual Christmas tree lighting, horse and wagon rides, warming stations, strolling carolers and musicians.
The pancake breakfast Saturday morning will be at the Wayland Fire Department, 160 W. Superior St. The buffet will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, juice, milk, and coffee. The Wayland Fire Department and Wayland Kiwanis will benefit from proceeds.
The Christmas parade will feature Grand Marshals Alan and Lois Baugh, longtime downtown business owners of Baugh’s Shoe Store and current owners of Baugh’s Shoe Repair. They have been fixtures in downtown commerce since 1959.
The parade route will begin at the Wayland VFW Post 7581 on South Main Street and will head north on Main and proceed west on Superior, ending at the fire station.
“Unwrap the Magic of Christmas” will be this year’s parade theme. Prizes will be awarded to those who decorate according to the theme. Parade entries are asked not to use a Santa because the Chamber of Commerce entry already features this special guest.
For more information visit www.waylandchamber.org.
Wayland Boy Scout Troop 97 encourages spectators to bring non-perishable food items or gently used or new coats, gloves, scarfs, boots, and hats. Boy Scouts will walk in the parade, and the items can be given to them as they walk by. All items will go toward the Wayland Christmas Project.
