A pair of special events are coming up in the Escalon community.

The Hospice of San Joaquin’s Tree of Lights ceremony – hosted by the City of Escalon and the Escalon Chamber of Commerce – is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 28 in the city’s Main Street Park at 5:30 p.m.

Lights on the tree in the city’s Main Street Park will be dedicated to memorialize loved ones lost.

Known as the “Light up a Light … Light up a Life!” program, you can call 209-957-3888 to dedicate a light. The event itself offers the community an opportunity to gather and reflect as we enter the holiday season. Donations will light up the Hospice Tree of Lights and also support Hospice of San Joaquin’s programs for terminally ill patients and their families. More information is also available by visiting https://www.hospicesj.org/events/tree-of-lights.

On Saturday, Dec. 2 – with a rain date of Sunday, Dec. 3 – the Chamber of Commerce will be putting on the annual Christmas on Main festivities, starting at 3 p.m. and running through 8 p.m. in the city’s Main Street Park.

There will be musical entertainment, merchandise vendors, activities for kids, food and beverages and more in and around the park throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

At 5:30 p.m., the festive Parade of Lights steps off from Coley Avenue, turns on to First and then turns on to Main Street.

Sign-ups are being taken now for the parade; an application to participate can be accessed on the Chamber website at https://www.escalonchamberofcommerce.org/parade-of-lights-entry-form

All entries must be decorated with lights though organizers request no political statements and no one on floats dressed as Santa, as the Chamber of Commerce brings Santa to the Main Street Park during the parade. Candy can be thrown from entries but organizers ask that they be thrown far enough into the crowd so children don’t rush into the street.

Completed parade entry forms can be dropped off at Oak Valley Community Bank, 1910 McHenry Ave., or emailed to the Chamber at escaloncofc@gmail.com or mailed to Escalon Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 222, Escalon, CA 95320.

For more information about the parade, contact Robert Swift at 209-595-5013 or at arswift@sbcglobal.net

Check in will be at the Escalon Post Office at Third and Coley; line up begins at 4:45 p.m. and the parade begins at 5:30 p.m.

With Santa riding in the parade, he and Mrs. Claus will then step on to the Main Street stage, where they will visit with youngsters and pose for pictures.

The annual Christmas on Main would be moved to Sunday, Dec. 3 in case of a rainout on Saturday.