Bossier Christmas Parade merges with 'Benton Christmas on the Square'

In an effort to grow and expand the Bossier Christmas Parade, the Rotary Club of Benton has adopted the parade and will include it in their annual Benton Christmas Festival, "Benton Christmas on the Square". 

The Benton Christmas Festival is an all day event that will include a 5K run, BBQ cook-off, car show, treasure hunt and balloon glow.  The festival will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12 beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 5:15 p.m. The parade will begin at 1 p.m.  In addition to all of the family fun filled activities, the Festival will be sure to please with 117 vendor booths with food, crafts and Christmas ideas, as well as a photographer on site for portraits. 

Patrons will also enjoy entertainment from Hank Staples & Thundercreek, as well as a special appearance by Billy Bretherton and family from A&E's "The Exterminators". 

A beauty pageant, "Santa's Beauties", will be held in conjunction with the Christmas Festival on Dec. 5.  All age groups are welcome to compete.

For information on "Benton Christmas on the Square", please call Dawn Bushnell at (318) 965-4965.  For information regarding the Christmas Parade, please call Crystal Blackmon of the Benton Rotary Club at (318) 453-5357.