The town of Goshen is gearing up for what will be their 5th Christmas Parade. And this year, they’ve got a whole night of festivities planned.

On Friday, Dec. 5 the parade will start at 6 p.m.

Town Clerk Traci Shaver said anyone interested can be in the parade in a float, a car or on foot. Parade entries should be submitted to Shaver as soon as possible.

The floats will be entered in a contest, and there will be first, second and third place winners, who will receive $50, $75 and $100 respectively.

Also on the lineup that evening is a Camp Stew Cook-off, a quilt raffle and possibly even a Christmas play.

Shaver said the camp stew will be served throughout the night, starting at 5 p.m.

Those proceeds and that of the quilt raffle will be donated to the Goshen Nutrition Center.

Shaver said the town is planning several new events for this year’s parade, like luminary memorials, a Christmas play and t-shirts.

Long-sleeve white t-shirts are on available for preorder for $5 right now. Shaver said some may be available the night of the parade.

The design hasn’t been chosen yet, but it will be picked from designs by a Goshen Elementary School student.

“We sent out fliers to the K-3 kids, and a winner will be picked for each grade level,” Shaver said. “Then, the overall winner will get a Wal-Mart gift card and their picture on the back of the shirt.”

Though luminary bags lined the streets of Goshen last year during the parade, Shaver said this year residents will be able to honor their lost loved ones by purchasing a bag with their family member’s name on it.

These will be for sale for $5 prior to the event.

Shaver said all proceeds from these two events will go toward the town’s funds.

After the parade, Mayor Jack Waller said residents will be invited into the Town Hall to honor the Goshen Mighty Mights and Pee Wees for winning their superbowl games.

Also, Shaver said students from GES Drama Club have been invited to perform their Christmas play following those two events.

For children, there will be inflatables and pictures with Santa to keep them busy, Shaver said.

The night will conclude with a bonfire at 8 p.m.

“It really has been a lot of fun, and it really have grown each year,” Shaver said. “We’re hoping this year will be even better.”