The Bakersfield Voice

The Annual Downtown Christmas Parade will take on a special meaning for one lucky couple, who were selected as the winners of this year's Christmas Parade Wedding. Crystal Rustman and Roger Towns will tie the knot in front of thousands of witnesses aboard the Kern County Bridal Association's Christmas Parade Float live on Thursday night.

The Association, comprised of local wedding businesses, sponsors the entire wedding at no cost to the bride and groom (with the exception of their marriage license). After the live wedding atop the parade float, the couple and fifty of their closest friends and family will enjoy a private cake and punch reception. "This is the third year we've done the Christmas Parade Wedding",

The wedding and reception has a long list of participating businesses, including:

Be Our Guest! 25-Free Wedding Invitations

Bella Noche Events

Bridal Indulgence

Cookies Couture

Good Time Entertainment

Hair by Carleen at Le Vuitton Full Body Boutique

OccasionOgraphy

Kern County Bridal Association

Ladies & Gents Bridal

Mr. Tuxedo

Randy Urner's Outside

Reverend Albert M. Haywood

The Links at Riverlakes Ranch

Uniquely Chic Florist Boutique

Vintage Limousine

With Love Photography

The wedding includes gown, tuxedo, flowers, disc jockey, officiant, coordinator, hair, makeup, transportation, photography, announcements, favors and of, course, the float in the parade. "They are way too cute", says Tara Fernandez, owner of Bella Noche Events and the sponsoring wedding coordinator, "I'm so happy to be a part of their special day!". "We're thrilled to add our facility to the list of sponsors this year", adds Cathy Frampton, Special Events Coordinator for The Links at Riverlakes Ranch, who are sponsoring the cake reception. "Well, it's always a challenge for us to get a couple from a contest entry to marriage in less than two weeks", concluded Kyle Brown, "but it's worth it!"

Kern County Bridal Association will be decorating the float for this year's parade entry in the parking lot of Mr. Tuxedo at 2409 Brundage Lane beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4th. "The Association is an active part of this community.", said Carl Leech, owner of Mr. Tuxedo and sponsor of the tuxedos, "and this gives us a chance to show off what do what we do best ... make some one's wedding a great experience!". Members of the community are invited to stop by the float decorating area to help out or just share their good wishes before the parade. We hope to see everyone there clapping their congratulations during the Christmas Parade beginning at 6pm on Thursday. For more information on the Parade Wedding, contact The Wedding Center at 633-9200.