Elchert works for Celebrations LLC, a wedding, event and party supplier, in Hillsdale. She is also helping to organize the first annual Light Up Hillsdale Parade, which will take place Dec. 1.
How did the idea for the first parade come about?
[The] idea was talked around a couple years ago, and I’ve been involved in the scavenger hunt for the last five years. We decided to kick it up a notch and add a parade to that.
What does a light parade include?
It’s a lighted parade, so you have to have some sort of lights. We suggest a generator or some sort of battery powered lights or glow sticks or something along those lines. [The] parade starts at 5 p.m., and then you can go down to the Dawn Theater afterwards. There will be popcorn and such and a small fee for refreshments. I think we’re going to have a great time and great weather. It’ll be just a fun event for everyone.
Who all is involved in the parade?
We have a scavenger hunt committee, which is a golden sled scavenger hunt. That runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that same day. And that’s free and fun. The people participating we really don’t know yet for sure because it’s whoever shows up to be in the parade.
How many people are you expecting?
At the scavenger hunt we usually have over 100 people come out, and it’s a free event. They just wander from store to store looking for the golden sleigh, and they have opportunities to win up to 38 prizes. It’s all free and there will be carolers downtown and carriage rides for $2 per person. We have no idea how many people will come to the parade, but we’re hoping for a good turnout. It looks like there will be great weather.
-Compiled by Amanda Tindall
