Saturday will be Merson’s 24th year leading the Christmas Parade as chairman, a job that oversees garnering parade entries, making arrangements for parade day, ensuring the lineup, and other duties shared by hardworking members of the Optimist Club. Merson said that the weather looks perfect for Saturday’s parade, which has only been cancelled once - and only after being rescheduled several times - due to rain.But usually inclement weather holds off for the Christmas Parade, even just for a few hours. Several times over past years it was raining before the parade, stopped in time for the procession to proceed, then poured thereafter, including one year that saw flash flood warnings within hours of the parade’s end.It’s impossible for the weather to deter “Light Up A Life,” which moves indoors at the Blanchard Community Library in case of rain. This year’s “Light Up A Life” is starting at 4:30 p.m., and is featuring a pre-ceremony concert by the Gospel Singers.Hospice President Cathy Barringer promises that the theme of the event - stars - will be well represented, with star cookies as well as the stars that twinkle on the big tree to memorialize lost loved ones or to honor living family or friends, even beloved pets. After the magnificent tree is lit with the special stars, community volunteers read the names of those memorialized or honored.“Light Up A Life” stars are still available for only $10, and those purchased even during the event will be added to the readers’ list. Call Hospice at 525-1333 for more information.