MOUNT VERNON — The Heritage Centre Association is hosting its Annual Christmas Parade Auction tonight at The Parkside Restaurant & Tavern, 108 Mount Vernon Ave.

The evening will begin at 5:30 with a Social Hour including hors d’oeuvres. The theme for the parade this year is “Candy Canes & Christmas Carols.” There will be a silent auction during the first hour with several items to bid on. Following the social hour will be the live auction at 6:30 with Jason and Jenney Murray for the parade entry sponsorships.

The annual Christmas Parade Auction gives local businesses and individuals the opportunity to be a part of the tradition by sponsoring winning parade entries. This year, sponsorships are also available for the special added attractions planned for the Christmas Walk.

The HCA welcomes everyone to come place bids as it celebrates the start of the holiday season. The evening is open to all businesses in the county as well as individuals.

The parade entry categories include: Walking, Animal, Business, Humorous, Auto: 1960 & Before, Religious, Senior Adult, Youth, Auto: 1961 & After, School, Horse-Drawn, Equestrian, Miniature Horse/Pony, Antique Implement, Emergency Vehicle, Club & Service Organization, Best Parade Theme, Motorcycle, and Dan Emmett Best Overall Entries.

The additional sponsorships for the Christmas Walk available include Carousel Horse (20 total), Holiday Train Car (15 total), Santa House, Professor Myroni’s Musical Menagerie, Gift Wrapping, Roasted Chestnuts, and Tree Lighting Sponsors.

Those unable to attend, but would like to place a bid in any of the sponsorships, contact Lynne Ricard at the HCA office at 393-1481.

Bids can also be e-mailed to manager@VisitDowntownMountVernon.com.