WILMINGTON — Ten years ago this Saturday, Wilmington and Clinton County residents witnessed their first HomeTown HoliDazzle Illuminated Parade and Festival. Each year draws in spectators from around the county and beyond who are excited to ring in the holiday season.

Rob Jaehnig, creator of the parade, is excited to see returning favorites and new additions lighting up the downtown area this Saturday, Nov. 26.

He and his wife, Keri, took the idea from a similar event they did in his hometown of Howell, Michigan called Festival of Lights.

“We took the concepts they used and we adjusted it to fit with Wilmington,” said Jaehnig, “with the help of a lot of people this turned into more than just a parade.”

“The main purpose of this is for people to have a good time,” he added.

Wilmington Council President Randy Riley will again emcee the parade, something Riley has done since HomeTown HoliDazzle first started.

“I think he might be more excited about it than the kids,” said Jaehnig.

The parade departs from the high school at 7 p.m. and will arrive downtown at around 7:25 p.m.

Parade participants will include R+L Carriers bringing in Santa Claus, along with floats from Lowe’s, which will be bringing in a new float for the parade, and Polaris, which will display a football-themed float, according to Jaehnig.

Awards for floats will be given in five categories: Best of Season; DazzleLicious; Holiday Harvest; HoliLarious; and A Place Called Home.

You can shop downtown throughout the day as part of Shop Small Business Saturday.

The day’s events include:

1-4 p.m.: Shopping and crafting at the Wilmington Public Library

1-2 p.m.: Clinton County Community Band performs at the Murphy Theatre

3-3:30 p.m.: WHS Choraliers and Wilmingtones at the courthouse (inside)

4-6 p.m.: Festival of Wreaths, United Way

4-7 p.m.: Train ride and inflatables on North South Street

4-7 p.m.: Hand-painted ornaments at the South Street Wine Cellar

4:30-6:45 p.m.: HoliDazzle Children’s Carnival in the municipal building community room

4-7 p.m.: Pictures with Santa in the Peoples Bank lobby

5-5:45 p.m.: Merry Tuba Christmas Concert, Murphy Theatre

5:45-7:20 p.m.: Dazzling Stage Spectacular on the City Stage (Main and South streets)

7 p.m.: Lighting of Buckley Brothers Star

7 p.m.: Parade leaves high school

7:25 p.m.: Parade arrives downtown.

The 50-year anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was commemorated by this HomeTown HoliDazzle display and others at last year’s parade.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_DSC_0056.jpgThe 50-year anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was commemorated by this HomeTown HoliDazzle display and others at last year’s parade. News Journal file photos

Santa made yet another unique entrance at the 2015 HomeTown HoliDazzle. Despite rain that cancelled the other outdoor events, many speactators lined Wilmington’s Main Street to watch the illuminated parade.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_DSC_0127.jpgSanta made yet another unique entrance at the 2015 HomeTown HoliDazzle. Despite rain that cancelled the other outdoor events, many speactators lined Wilmington’s Main Street to watch the illuminated parade. News Journal file photos

At last year’s HomeTown HoliDazzle parade, horses drew a wagon sponsored by Wilmington Savings Bank through downtown Wilmington.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_DSC_0088.jpgAt last year’s HomeTown HoliDazzle parade, horses drew a wagon sponsored by Wilmington Savings Bank through downtown Wilmington. News Journal file photos

The hot air balloon float released a few fireballs in downtown Wilmington during the 2015 HomeTown HoliDazzle illuminated parade.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_DSC_0103.jpgThe hot air balloon float released a few fireballs in downtown Wilmington during the 2015 HomeTown HoliDazzle illuminated parade. News Journal file photos

Jedis, Jawas, stormtroopers and a rebel pilot were some of the illuminated Star Wars characters in last year’s illuminated parade.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_DSC_0114.jpgJedis, Jawas, stormtroopers and a rebel pilot were some of the illuminated Star Wars characters in last year’s illuminated parade. News Journal file photos