Keep Christ in Christmas Events

Brothers,

There are many ways you, your council, and your family can have a fun time while we “Keep Christ in Christmas.” For instance, join a parade! Here are two examples to share with you on Christmas parades being held in Glendale and Tucson this December. This is the time to consider this and registering. I bet there are more parades throughout Arizona that you can participate in.

1) Glendale, AZ - The Hometown Christmas Parade is a “Keep Christ in Christmas” themed parade, to be held on Saturday December 13, 2014, to start at 11:00AM, in Glendale, Arizona. All Councils and Assemblies in Arizona (especially the Phoenix metro area) are invited to participate in this parade. You can enter a float with a “Keep Christ in Christmas” theme. You can enter a float or march in the parade, with or without 4^th Degree Regalia. And of course, you are invited to watch the parade, as well. I have been told that there is no Santa at the end of this parade, as it is focused on Christ’s birth, and is not the secular Christmas we see in the stores and on TV. They are celebrating the true “Star” of Christmas.

This is the second year it will be held.  Last year’s parade was a huge success with 97 parade entries and over 8,000 people in attendance. The response was overwhelmingly positive! It is open to all Churches in Arizona. St Helen's Catholic Church, in Glendale, had an entry last year, with a decorated hay rack and people singing Christmas songs, plus parishioner walking behind it. They also had George Florentine's fire truck (the same one used in the Vets Parade).

St Helen's Catholic Church and Council 11738 have already entered for this year and plan to have the hay rack and singers again. Councils and Assemblies can enter, too. We hope to see many Brother Knights marching this year, with 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd Degree members walking behind the 4^th Degree members in regalia.  This event is sponsored by the Church of Joy, at 75th and the 101 in Glendale. It took the Glendale Mayor a lot of talking to get it pushed through the city council last year, and it was a big hit and is happening again this year. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Kurt Warner will be in the 2014 parade!

Please use this link to register your Council &/or Assembly in the parade. The entry fee is only $25.00. It would be great to see several Catholic Churches entered, as well. http://www.hometownchristmasparade.org/

2) Tucson, AZ - The “Downtown Parade of Lights” has become an annual tradition for the Knights of Columbus. The 20^th Annual Parade of Lights, to be held on Saturday December 20, 2014, at 6:30PM, continues to grow each year along with our participation. Enjoy a festival at Armory Park beginning at 4pm, including carnival games, photos with Santa, food, and arts and crafts vendors! Ride the streetcar downtown and enjoy a day of activities including visiting downtown restaurants and shops! By joining &/or supporting in the parade and festival, we have the opportunity to showcase the Knights of Columbus and support our downtown community.  

American Legion Post #7 serves as the steering committee. For the past few years, they have been the driving force behind the “Downtown Parade of Lights”. The Archbishop Daniel J. Gercke Assembly #16 has been a vital participant these past years, as it will this year. All Councils and Assemblies in Arizona (especially the Tucson metro area) are invited to participate in this parade with your council and families. You can enter a float with a “Keep Christ in Christmas” theme. You can enter a float or march in the parade, with or without 4th Degree Regalia. And of course, you are invited to watch the parade, as well.

Please use this link to register your Council &/or Assembly in the parade.  http://www.downtowntucson.org/event/20th-annual-downtown-parade-lights/    You can also get more Knight related information from SK Ralph Lares, Faithful Navigator of the Archbishop Daniel J. Gercke Assembly #16, Email:  rblares@yahoo.com  Phone: 520.977.5180

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Vivat Jesus!

Larry Becker

State Deputy