Bill Powers believes in the holiday spirit — the music, the decorations, the Christmas atmosphere — and he wants to bring it back to Lancaster County, big-band style.

The retired Hempfield High School band director is working to reinstate the former Jack Frost Parade in downtown Lancaster, after years of a parade-less holiday season.

The first holiday parade took place on Nov. 23, 1946, in a celebration of the end of World War II. The parades continued until December 2001, though the nature of the event changed.

Santa went from a full parade to arriving by helicopter, horse-drawn carriage, convertible and even a fire truck.

The Lancaster Holiday Parade is slated for Saturday, Nov. 19, although there is talk of a Sunday parade instead, due to business traffic and street shutdowns, said Powers, the head organizer.

"People love it," he said. "People thank you for being a part of [the parades]. There is an atmosphere that brings such positive feelings to the area."

The parade will kick off on North Lime Street and end on North Shippen Street, traversing three square blocks during its duration. Powers hopes to include local marching bands, dignitaries and key members of the community — including, of course, Santa.

The planning process has its ups and downs, said Powers, who has no experience in event planning. With the help of Jennifer Baker, the director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, the logistical work has been the easiest part, Powers said.

The real challenge is fundraising. "Many people want to put on events, but are not sure of the work or cost involved," Baker said. "There's more to it than people think."

The parade date must be finalized by mid-September, and to make the decision, Powers said the parade must have a substantial financial backing.

Estimated costs of the parade run at about $15,000, and the organization only has $150 committed, as of Friday. The group began working in January and Powers said he thought one year would be enough time to prepare.

"I'm an optimist," he said, with a laugh.

Powers' approach to fundraising doesn't involve a long list of mailing addresses — he doesn't have one. He believes in a personal approach and in borrowing five minutes of someone's day in person.

"We go door to door," he said. "Half the battle is getting to the right people."

Many tell him they need a year's notice to work the donation into their budget. With many businesses facing tough times, Powers understands where potential donors are coming from.

Because the parade group is not listed as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, groups can't write off donations as tax deductible.

Currently, 101 Rose Radio is working with the Lancaster Holiday Parade to promote the project on their website, as well as the Mayor's Office of Special Events, although they can offer the group no financial support.

To make a donation or for more information, call 898-0276 or email bill@lancasterholidayparade.com.

Contact Sunday News staff writer Brittany Horn at bhorn@lnpnews.com.