Winners in the 70th annual Christmas parade will receive more than $1,000 in prize money from the sponsoring Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. The theme for this year’s parade is the “Magic of Music.” For more details, see the Nov. 26 edition of the Optic-Herald.

The number of Angel Trees are being expanded to serve families needing help with toy and/or clothing for their children for Christmas. There are now eight trees in the Mount Vernon area. See the Nov. 26 edition of the Optic-Herald for a listing of their locations and dates when the presents need to be returned.

The yard of Ricky and Jennifer Beene at 601 Kaufman St. was selected the November Yard of the Month by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce because of its Thanksgiving theme.

Members of the Sulphur River Cowboy Church will be serving Thanksgiving Dinner at the church at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26. Turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings will be served at the event. The dinner is intended for families who have no one to spend the holidays with or nowhere to go for the day.