By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A Christmas parade complete with flashing lights, blaring horns, colorful decorations, Santa Claus, candy treats for the kids and riders on horses will make its annual pass through downtown Hartselle Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.
The parade will be sponsored and directed by Hartselle Kiwanis Club. "Jingle Bells" will be the theme and Superintendent of Hartselle Schools Dr. Mike Reed will serve as grand marshal.
Locally designed and constructed floats will play a major role. Any church, school, student or youth group, fraternal organization, community club or business may enter. Three cash prizes totaling $500 will be awarded to the winners: $250 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. Floats must be in the parking lot at the J. P. Cain Stadium parking lot and ready for judging not later than 5 p.m., according to Tom Sparks, Kiwanis spokesman.
Santa will ride atop one of the city's fire engines and, as usual, he will be accompanied by a team of helpers. They will distribute candy treats to kids as they move along the parade route.
"We encourage all area junior high and senior high marching bands to participate," Sparkman said.
A registration fee of $10 is required from all parade units. The fee is waived for marching bands. Entry forms are available at the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce office. The form will be faxed on request by calling 773-4370.
The parade will enter Main Street from South Railroad Street, turn left and proceed west to Corsbie Street, turn left again and disband in the parking lot of the old Wal-Mart store.