The Harper Creek
Optimist Club has
already been hard at
work planning the
Nov. 23 Battle Creek
Christmas Parade, with
the theme “Songs of
Christmas,” said coordi-
nator Stephanie Cornish
on Monday.
Registration for entries
will open the week of
Labor Day and closes
Oct. 25, 2024.
“Watch the Parade’s
Facebook page for regis-
tration information and emails are sent to the
main contact on file for all recent parade par-
ticipants,” said Cornish. “Entries are encour-
aged to get in the spirit of the evening and
decorate their entry with the theme in mind.”
Awards are given for participation and best
entries, selected by a panel of judges.
“Last year’s parade is going to be a tough
one to beat, with a record 132 entries and
one of the most amazing nights weather-wise
we could have asked for,” said Cornish. “As
a result of spacing challenges, the Parade
Committee has had to put a couple of new
‘rules’ into effect.”
The first, she said, is related to the length
of an entry.
For multiple vehicle groups (such as car
clubs and other groups with multiple vehi-
cles), there will be a limit of 10 cars/jeeps
See CHRISTMAS on 8
VOL. 133 NO. 5 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 http://www.thebattlecreekshopper.com
BATTLE CREEK
SHOPPER NEWS
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Prep football kicks off!
Same Day Appointments
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Marshall & South Haven
(855) 618-
bronsonhealth.com/SameDay
Chris Lok, an assistant coach who works with Pennfield High head coach Robbie Hattan and who was
a member of PHS;s 1991 state championship team, works with players at a recent Panthers football
practice. City and local prep football teams kick off their 2024 seasons tonight (Thursday, Aug. 29) and
Friday night (Aug. 30). See story inside for a look at this fall’s city and local area varsity football squads.
(Shopper News photo by Will Kowalski) see story on page 2
Christmas parade entries
open next week; Optimist Club
chooses grand marshal
2024 Christmas
parade
Grand Marshal
Shelly Kehrle-Sulser