Theme for the annual holiday celebration in Riverbank this year is ‘Christmas Time is Near’ and the community’s annual Christmas Festival is indeed close by, scheduled for the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Nov. 29. Organizers say now is the time to become involved.

Entry forms for both the 13th Annual Christmas Crafts Faire and the 46th Annual Christmas Parade are available on the city’s web site, www.riverbank.org.

The Crafts Faire will start at noon and be a day-long event, with the Parade starting at 5:30 p.m. Citizens are invited then to bring their chairs, wrap up in a blanket and enjoy the nighttime lighted parade. Following, the winners in all categories will be announced along with the lighting of the city Christmas Tree at Plaza del Rio Park at Third and Santa Fe streets downtown. That jolly old elf, Santa, will also be available for photos.

Officials note that the Craft Faire application form has been updated. The faire will be held between noon and the end of the tree lighting, on Third Street between Topeka and Santa Fe streets. There have been no changes to the Parade entry form. It includes information regarding lighting required, sign-in and staging times, and deadlines.

For more information, contact city Administrative Assistant Luanne Bain at 863-7122 or at lbain@riverbank.org.