The City of Greenville will block off Commerce St. in front of city hall to through traffic prior to the Christmas Parade on Thursday, Dec. 4, according to Mayor Dexter McLendon.

“We just have so much going on that night and last year there was a lot of children running around Confederate Park so we feel it best to go ahead and close the street off to traffic,” said McLendon.

According to Francine Wasden, Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce Director, Commerce St. will be closed to traffic at 5 p.m. that Thursday, from the Chef’s Table to the Main Street office at the corner of Church St. She said handicapped parking would be available behind city hall.

Dr. L. Don Snellgrove, longtime Greenville optometrist who recently retired, will serve as Grand Marshal for the parade, said Wasden.

The city will light its Christmas tree in Confederate Park at 6 p.m. The “Spirit of Christmas” Parade will start at 6:30 p.m. To place an entry in the parade, call the Greenville Chamber for more information at 382-3251.