Christmas events planned in Mineola Dec. 5

Two of the three traditional events to kick off the Christmas season in Mineola are proceeding – with health protocols in place.

The Mineola League of the Arts (MLOTA) Holiday Bazaar and the chamber of commerce Christmas parade are set to go on the first weekend in December.

MLOTA has expanded the bazaar to two days, Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5.

The Christmas parade will be Saturday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m.

The parade will follow the recently-adopted route for city parades, starting in the area of Broad St. (Hwy. 80) and Graham St. and ending at Broad and Stone Streets, with no stopping in between, no gatherings or demonstrations and no throwing of candy by parade participants.

Parade entry forms are available from the chamber of commerce, and there will be cash prizes for the top three entries of $100, $50 and $25.

Parade watchers are recommended to maintain social distancing along the parade route. There will be an announcer near Broad and Johnson Streets.

The bazaar will be held at the MLOTA building at 200 W. Blair St. each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and face coverings are required.

It will feature hand-crafted items made by league members, a silent auction and homemade goodies.

The league’s line dancing group will draw the winner for a prize giveaway on Saturday at 4 p.m.

The annual tour of homes is not being held this year.