Saturday’s Flandreau holiday parade is expecting good weather, more than a dozen entries as of Monday morning and some treats from downtown merchants.
The “Holiday Hometown Hereos” parade will start from the Moody County Courthouse at 6 p.m., go west to Center Street, north to Second Avenue, east to Prairie Street, then south back and around to the courthouse. Entries are asked to line up at 5:30 p.m., south of the courthouse. Organizers will be there to place them in position.
Families, organizations and businesses can sign up through Wednesday evening to be in the parade, giving time for organizers to put together a parade lineup. To register, call Kim Hansen at 864-1720 or email kimberhansen@hotmail.com. There is no cost to participate.
Saturday’s weather forecast calls for perfect weather for Santa and Mrs. Claus to make their pre-Christmas appearance in Flandreau. Temperatures are expected to approach 50° during the day for a high, with sunny skies.

The parade will honor those heroes who live among us, serving our country, state and local community in a variety of ways. Prizes will be given for the best parade entry in each category: family, organization and business.
Cindy Deutscher, Avera PA-C, is the parade marshal and Owen Parsley will be the emcee of the event.
Several businesses will offer holiday treats during the festivities, including hot cocoa at the Bar X Bar, candy canes at the Moody County Enterprise and popcorn at The Personal Touch. Hunkake Café will be selling roasted chestnuts and Tom & Jerrys, with proceeds being donated to Riverview Healthcare Center’s food program. Out of precaution because of the virus, First National Bank won’t be offering its traditional hot cider.
Other businesses also will be open during the evening, including the Flandreau Bistro and Roasterie, and a new Christmas tree lot on Second Avenue, which will be operated by Carleen and Casey Wilson.
After the parade ends, a tree lighting will take place at the Veteran’s memorial on the courthouse lawn, followed by caroling.
Because of concerns about spreading COVID-19, Santa will not pose for photos, and children won’t be able to sit on his lap. Those planning on attending the event, on what is traditionally called Small Business Saturday, are asked to enjoy the evening but also take precautions in the spirit of the city and county resolutions to wear masks around others and physically distancing when possible.