Santa, Parade, $500 Giveaway, Hot Dog Feed Set In Neligh

Santa Claus will stop at the American Legion on Sunday from 6 until 7:30 p.m.

The Lighted Parade will kick off events at 5:30 p.m. Entries should line up in Riverside Park at 5 p.m. Businesses, community members and organizations are encourage to have a float.

Carhart Lumber Company will again sponsor a free hot dog feed at the American Legion from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 

Santa Claus is coming to town on Sunday, and he's bringing $500 in Neligh Big Bucks to give away. There will also be a parade, courthouse lighting, Christmas carols, a free meal and lots of games. 

Sponsored by the Neligh Chamber of Commerce, the annual Christmas kickoff is going to be bigger than ever on Sunday, according to president Carrie Pitzer.

"The Neligh Chamber has an incredible night of family fun planned," she said. "We've been brainstorming for the last year on how to make the holiday kickoff an event the community won't want to miss and giving away $500 adds to the excitement. Neligh is the place to be on Sunday."

Pitzer said the Chamber Cash Booth will be at the American Legion and will have $500 in Neligh Big Bucks flying around inside ready for the taking. For $2, participants get 15 seconds in the booth to try to catch as much "money" as they can. Neligh Big Bucks are good as cash at most Chamber member businesses. 

"The Cash Booth was a hit at the Antelope County Fair and Bread 'N Jam," Pitzer said. "It's fun for all ages and is a great way to encourage people to shop locally. Every dollar that comes out of the booth will be spent in Neligh, whether it's on a slice of pizza, flowers, paint or a new sofa."

Pitzer said Big Bucks were a popular Christmas gift last year, especially as Christmas bonuses from local businesses. She said they can be purchased at the Chamber/Economic Development office, Pinnacle Bank or Hilltop Drugs Etc. Every dollar you buy - and give - will be spent in Neligh to boost the local economy.

Events will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday with the Lighted Parade lineup in Riverside Park. The parade through Main Street will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Courthouse Lighting at 6 p.m.

More events are planned at the American Legion from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There will be a free hot dog feed sponsored by Carhart Lumber, Santa Claus will visit, there will be games from the Neligh-Oakdale FBLA and the Chamber Cash Booth will be there.

The Chamber and City of Neligh will again be sponsoring a Christmas Light Contest with the winners of the three categories receiving $100 of their electric bill. The categories are residential, religious and commercial. Judging will be during an evening sometime between Dec. 13-20. 

Pitzer said many Neligh businesses are planning specials during the holiday season and some will be staying open late at various times. She said there's not a set schedule for the businesses to be open late or on Sundays.