Pictured is a scene from the Dunkirk parade last year that includes Girl Scout Troop 20237.

The second annual Dunkirk Holiday Parade will be Friday in downtown Dunkirk at 6:30 p.m., Mayor Kate Wdowiasz and the City of Dunkirk Festivals and Specials Events Department announced.

This year’s theme is “Gingerbread Avenue and Candy Cane Lane,” which encourages participating entries to decorate their vehicles, floats, and people with some type of gingerbread and candy cane design. Floats are encouraged to play their favorite Christmas music.

Bob Patterson will be the parade marshal. As a former Dunkirk athlete, coach, official, city staff member and community volunteer, Mr. Patterson is a true representative and supporter of his hometown.

He lives in Dunkirk with his wife, Pat, and has three children, Trevor, Shawn and Lisa.

Parade line up will begin at 5 p.m. on Third Street, between Robin Street and Central Avenue. All parade entries must check in at Robin and Third Street by tunnel before going to their designated spot.

The event will feature pre-parade entertainment with a DJ Dance Party with Rudolph from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The parade will begin promptly at 6:30, traveling south toward City Hall and ending at the corner of Central Avenue and Fifth Street. Andy Bohn and E.J. Hayes will be the parade announcers.

Trophies will be awarded to the top three best-decorated entries.

Due to the cancellation on Saturday, the lighting of the Christmas tree also is planned.

Interested groups and companies that would like to participate are asked to complete a parade application available at www.cityofdunkirk.com under the Residents/Festivals tabs or pick up form in the Development Office in the Stearns Building. The no-cost registration is due today.

The Gingerbread City of Dunkirk will also be on display for public viewing in the Stearns Building window located next to City Hall.

Spectators are reminded to dress warm to enjoy the holiday event. Central Station Restaurant will be open until 7:30 p.m. with food and refreshments for purchase.

The parade is sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Refresco along with the support from Dunkirk Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, VanDette Law PLLC, North County Landscaping, Putnam Record Agency, The Botox Barn, Jamestown Community College – North County Extension Center, JF Grant Consulting Services, Lil Ginger’s Deli and Access to the Arts, Inc.

Corporate parade sponsors are available at the following levels: $1,000 – Overall Sponsor, $500 – Gingerbread Level, $250 – Candy Cane Level and $100 – Sugar Plum Level. Interested parties can also sponsor a trophy for $25.

The city events staff are also looking for photos from any past Dunkirk winter holiday events that can be shared with them.

For more information, contact Scott Mekus, event specialist, at City of Dunkirk at (716) 366-9848 or smekus@cityofdunkirk.com.