The 46th annual Napa Christmas parade will be Saturday at 5 P.M.

The parade begins on First Street at Franklin Street, and ends at the Oxbow Public Market, where Santa will be on hand to talk to children about their Christmas wish lists.

This year’s Grand Marshals are Roger Bubel and his wife Michal Farrell, co-owners of Ben and Jerry’s in the Napa Town Center.  Pre-parade entertainment will begin at 4 PM for those who want to get a good viewing spot. Other entertainment, free hot chocolate and cookies round out the evening. Entry is free, but entrants must fill out a parade application in advance.

The event is free and open to the public.  Information and a parade application can be found at www.napadowntown.com, or by calling 257-0322.

When the parade became a nighttime activity five years ago, Napans showed an amazing ability to add lights to all kinds of parade entries, illuminating everything from vehicles to animals to children.  This year, three $500 cash awards will be given in various categories: “Best Use of Lights,” “Best Use of Music,” and “Best Business Entry.”