BY MARCELLE HANEMANN

The Daily News

Thirteen years ago, organizer Frankie Thompson had a dream of bringing a special magic to Bogalusa at the dawning of the Christmas season. Now the manifestation of that idea has become a family tradition throughout the city where people top off their Thanksgiving celebrations by gathering outside along the streets to attend the annual Bogalusa Lighted Christmas Parade.

Horses, wagons and floats, draped in and made dazzling by the colorful lights of the season, roll through town to introduce the approach of the even more thankful holiday of Christmas.

Last year, wooden nickels offering $10 discounts at local businesses were thrown to the crowds to enhance the excitement and to encourage holiday shopping “at home.” Merchants who would like to participate in that program this year should call Robin Day at 750-4054 or Kay Kay Varnado at 516-3231.

The deadline to take part in this year’s parade, “The Music and Magic of Christmas,” is Nov. 21. The registration fee of $5 will be used towards the purchase of Christmas lights, Thompson said.

Businesses, organizations, schools, churches, families and others are encouraged to call Day at the above number or Thompson at 516-5658 to register.

The parade will start at 5 p.m. and participants must be outside The First Bank on Columbia Street and ready to roll at 4:30 p.m.