The cold weather has canceled the Merrill Lighted Christmas Parade. Merrill Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Kinsey explained the wind chill was expected to be -11 at 5 p.m. on Saturday night, and that is just a bit too cold for the for some of the younger parade participants.
The lighting of the Forest of Trees on the Courthouse lawn will still take place at 5 p.m. Saturday. Santa will be inside Courtside furniture Saturday afternoon and evening.
The Chamber may reschedule the parade, with any announcement coming after Monday.
Other events happening in Merrill this weekend:
Annual Downtown Customer Appreciation – Saturday, December 7- kick-off the holiday season with great shopping specials all day long. Shop keeper will be serving holiday treats and the Merrill High School chorus and band students will provide Music on Main, serenading shoppers on the streets and in downtown stores in the afternoon.
Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, December 7- start your morning by taking the kids to the Smith Center for breakfast with Santa from 8am to 11am. Cost is $3.00 per person. be sure to bring your camera for Santa time photos.
Park Lane Manor Luminaria – Saturday, December 7- immediately following the parade cross the Center Street Bridge and head to the Park Lane neighborhood across the street from Good Samaritan Hospital for the annual luminaria tour. Thousands of luminaries line the streets of the neighborhood. Drive thru in your vehicle or take a wagon ride to view the luminaries and Christmas decorations. Stop in at Assisi Hall at Bell Tower after the ride to warm up with hot chocolate, hot cider, popcorn and cookies. A free will donation is encouraged.
O’Tannenbaum Tour – Saturday & Sunday, December 7-8- enjoy an annual tour of decorated trees filled with magic and wonder at the O’Tannenbaum Tour at St. Stephen’s UCC Church. Plenty of fun for the family; tour the decorated Christmas trees and enter the raffles for the decorated trees, gift baskets and wreaths. Cost adults $3.00, 6-12yrs $1.00, under age 5 free.
The Merrill High School Varsity Dance Team- will be competing this weekend Saturday, December 7, 2013 in the “LUMBERJACK SHOWCASE” at Wausau East Fieldhouse. Dance Team Competition 1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Awards to follow. General Admission is $5 for adults and students, with children 5 and under free
The Merrill High School Peppermint dance- Saturday night at the High School, the Grand March is at 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30