Christmas in the Heart of Charleston will show residents a great time from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday in the square of Charleston.

The Christmas event will start with a parade led by this year’s Grand Marshall, Tom Vance.

Appearing in the parade will be Charleston’s own city officials and community groups such as Girl Scouts, Dance Life, Miss and Little Miss Coles County, Charleston Fire Department, Lincoln Log Cabin, Illinois National Guard with a Humvee and the VFW Honor Guard, said Diane Ratliff, Charleston tourism director.

The entertainment that will be featured this year includes the Dance Life Center performing the Nutcracker in their store front and the Charleston Alley Theatre performing Miracle on 34th Street at 7 p.m., Ratliff said. 

Ratliff said some EIU dancers will be doing a window display at Woody’s Restaurant.

The Community Band and Tom Vance will play live music in the CTF building on Seventh Street and Jackson, Ratliff said.

Free refreshments will be offered to the public as well.

Ratliff said hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and popcorn will be available to all.

A Christmas Shopping Expo at the Charleston Library will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., she said.

There will be kids ‘Make and Take Crafts’ at the Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

The parade will start at 5 p.m. in the square, Ratliff said.

Families can enjoy free carriage rides, carolers, Santa’s House, where pictures can be taken with Santa, Christmas tree raffle, story time and other events.

A gingerbread house-decorating contest that is free to the public will also be taking place, Ratliff said.

The First Presbyterian Church will have a sing-a-long from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m.

Christmas in the Heart of Charleston has been going on for more than 15 years.

The Charleston community is encouraged to take part in this annual event that is near and dear to Charleston’s heart, Ratliff said.

Joanna Leighton can be reached at 581-2812 or jlleighton@eiu.edu.