Troy Christmas Parade and Party in the Park Happening December 12

My hometown of Troy is preparing for a big Christmas celebration that aims to stir the holiday spirit and collect donations for two great causes.

The Troy Christmas Parade will start at the Old Middle School at 5 PM Saturday, December 12. It'll roll down South College Avenue to East Austin Street and end at Trojan Park.

After the parade, stick around Trojan Park for Party in the Park. There'll be vendors, games, and even Christmas karaoke hosted by First Assembly of God.

Project Troy will have hot dogs and refreshments as well, so special shout-out to them.

If you'd like to get your picture taken with Santa and Jack Frost, there'll be a professional photographer there as well.

Of course, 'tis the season for giving, and there'll be two ways you can give back to your community at the party.

Donations of canned goods and non-perishables will be accepted to benefit the food pantry at Troy United Methodist Church.

There'll also be a police vehicle accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for Blue Santa. Those toys will be given to the children of local families in need this holiday season.

If you're interested in being part of the parade or having a vendor booth at the event, head over to Project Troy's website for the info you'll need.

I don't make it up to Troy much these days unless I'm visiting family or a friend there, but I'm thinking of staking out a spot to watch the parade. Maybe I'll run into a few people I knew growing up. If anything, it'll be nice to be home for the holidays for a bit.