By Margot Thomas

WHILE the doyens of the shop-till-you-drop brigade  are already looking for early Christmas bargains and the organizers of the annual Carols by Candlelight Concert on the Cinta Costera  are about to announce early reservations for the fourth Carols by Candlelight Concert, raising funds for local charities and institutions the city is  also readying for the Christmas season.

The Panama City Mayor's Office has issued contracts for the Christmas decorations as well as the organization and execution of a parade. The company Magic Dreams was the only bidder for the parade, submitting a proposal of $298,000 reports La Prensa.

The company will design and construct eight floats, two review stands, 10 others stands, lighting, pyrotechnics and food for the participating bands.

 It will also arrange for 40 portable toilets among other logistics. The bidding announcement also indicates that the company must have a civil liability insurance policy of up to $1 million to ensure the safety of those attending the parade.

Mayor José Isabel Blandón said that the funds are included in the budget approved by the City Council."Last year's parade had a cost of $400,000" he added.

DECORATIONS

Blandón said that the decoration of the city was also tendered. The only company that submitted a bid for this contract was Contraseñas Production, which submitted a bid of $207,000. The contract includes the installation of lights on the six main avenues of Panama, the design of a graphic image for this event and production of commercials for television and radio. The contract includes the installation of a "giant mailbox with permanent security" for 30 days. The place where the mailbox will be installed has not been specified.