Sparks Hometowne Christmas

Sparks Hometowne Christmas, presented by Intuit, will host a weekend of festive and traditional activities Friday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 8. 

The annual tree lighting ceremony, presented by Intuit, will again be held on Friday evening, Dec. 7, the night before the parade, from 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m in front of the Saint Mary's Amphitheater on Victorian Avenue. Prior to the tree lighting, a special ribbon cutting will be held at 6 p.m. to celebrate the grand reopening of the train display located just east of the Saint Mary's Amphitheater on Victorian Avenue.

The celebration will continue on Dec. 8 with the Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade, presented by Intuit, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This year's theme is “A Silver Jubilee – Celebrating 25 Years”. Sparks Mayor Geno Martini will serve as the official grand marshal. More than 95 entries ranging from floats and marching bands to dancing horses, car clubs, and youth groups, will travel along the west bound lane of Victorian Avenue, starting at Pyramid Way and concluding at 14th Street.

In an effort to help those that require assistance, a seating area for people with disabilities will be provided along the parade route on the northeast corner of 10th & Victorian.

New to the event this year is a cookie-decorating booth sponsored by John Ascuaga's Nugget. Santa also will be on hand to greet and visit with children in the Glendale Schoolhouse from noon to 2 p.m. and after the parade from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children who visit with Santa are asked to bring either a $1 donation or a can of food. Evelyn Mount's Community Outreach annual canned food drive will also take place during the event. 

Call (775) 353-5555 for further details.

As a result of the potential of flooding and high wind conditions, the City of Sparks POSTPONED the Sparks Hometowne Christmas Tree Lighting (Friday, Nov. 30) and Christmas Parade (Saturday, Dec. 1) until the following weekend, Dec. 7 and 8 respectively.