Flower Mound groups interested in building a lighted float for the Dec. 5 Christmas Parade can learn the ropes at a free meeting Tuesday, Oct. 27. The session runs from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Community Activity Center, or CAC (1200 Gerault Rd.).

Parks and Recreation staff will walk through float requirements, judging categories and what participation involves, according to the town's parade page.

The Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, presented by CoServ, is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, at Gerault Park. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. The parade steps off at 6 p.m. from Spinks Road and Garden Ridge and ends at the park, near the Community Activity Center. Floats stage at Shadow Ridge Middle School.

This year's theme is "A Star-Spangled Christmas: Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom and Festivity." The Cross Timbers Gazette reported in September that the town announced the patriotic theme in August, honoring the nation's 250th anniversary alongside the holidays.

There is no entry fee. The town asks each participant to donate at least one canned food item for the Christian Community Action Canned Food Drive. Judges will award non-cash prizes to top entries in each category.

All local organizations, youth groups, businesses and nonprofits are eligible. Float applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 20, at 5 p.m.

After the parade, Gerault Park hosts the tree lighting ceremony, live performances from local groups, pictures with Santa, food trucks, children's activities and a fireworks show.

The day also features the fifth annual Reindeer Run 5K and Grinch Sprint at Bakersfield Park (1201 Duncan Lane), hosted by the Rotary Club of Flower Mound. All proceeds support the club's local and international charity work. The Summit Club of Flower Mound will collect canned goods along the parade route for Christian Community Action.

Residents who want to volunteer can attend a recruitment meeting Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Community Activity Center. Groups interested in performing on the main stage or hosting a table in the community tent can email [email protected] or call 972-874-6292.

Upcoming dates

  • Oct. 27 — Float informational meeting, 7 p.m., Community Activity Center (1200 Gerault Rd.)
  • Nov. 17 — Volunteer recruitment meeting, 6 p.m., Community Activity Center
  • Nov. 20 — Float application deadline, 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 5 — Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 p.m., Gerault Park
  • Dec. 7-12 — Santa Around Town (Santa rides a fire truck through Flower Mound neighborhoods)