By james art 
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Downtown Topeka Inc. is gearing up for a festive holiday season with the Holiday Window Decorating Contest and the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade.
Town center businesses, from restaurants to retailers, are encouraged to enter the competition, now in its fifth year. They can do this by creating holiday window displays for the community and visitors to vote in the first half of December.
The business must send an email [email protected] to conclude their participation before the end of November. By participating in the contest, businesses will have the chance to win $500 and a special promotion on DTI’s social media.
Once the contest begins on Dec. 1, customers and community members can text the names of participating businesses to 877-881-6181 to vote for the best displays. One vote per phone number per day will count towards the results. Voting is expected to close on December 20, with the winner announced the same day.
The 29th Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade will be on Saturday, December 7th with exciting new features. The parade is expected to feature up to 200 boats, high school marching bands from across Kansas, red carpet performances, an updated parade route and live streaming on the main stage, food trucks and vendors along the parade route and much more.
Topeka-born Broadway star Antoine Hopper will offer a memorable performance during the parade of an original Christmas interpretation arranged by Grammy and Tony Award-winning Charlie Rosen, a talented musician and composer.
Nominations are also open for parade grand marshal (adult), junior grand marshal (chosen from grades 9-12) and cheerleader, which is new this year. The Cheer Meister will be the youngest honoree in the parade, chosen from grades 1-8. Nominations can be made online HERE. The deadline for nominations is November 18.
The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m., following the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree in Evergy Plaza, but at 4:00 p.m., inflatables, food trucks, carolers and activities for the whole family will line Kansas Avenue between 6th and 7th ma street
Parades this year can be entered for a $25 fee and must be pre-registered HERE. The float will begin at 3:00 pm on the day of the parade. Attendees are also encouraged to stay in Evergy Plaza after the parade for photo opportunities with Santa.
More information about Miracle on Kansas Avenue and Topeka’s upcoming winter fun can be found online.
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