It’ll be Christmas with a southern flair come Thursday, December 3 when the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Annual Christmas Parade downtown. The event is set for 6:30 p.m., with pre-parade activities starting at 5 p.m.

“We had more than 50 entries last year and we are looking at an even bigger, better parade this year,” said GACOC director Francine Wasden.

The 2009 theme is “Christmas Alabama Style,” with Father Fred Lindstrom of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church serving as the grand marshal.

Expect area beauty queens, including Alabama’s homecoming queen, marching bands, festive floats, jolly old Saint Nick and much more – including candy at this year’s event.

“This is a trial run for us. We’ve limited candy to the very end of the parade for the evening events as a safety precaution in the past. This year we will allow it to be thrown from any float or vehicle, but only as long as there are walkers on each side of the entry to watch out for parade-goers,” Wasden stressed.

“We expect everyone to adhere to this rule.”

With several floats already underway, Wasden said she can guarantee some “big, gorgeous” entries in this year’s parade.

“Of course we are once again encouraging everyone to add lots of lights and to have music on their entries. Be creative – we love it,” she said.

The night’s festivities will kick off in Confederate Park across from City Hall.

“There will be concessions, Christmas caroling, children’s choirs and much more, all starting at 5 p.m.,” Wasden said.

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is set for 6 p.m. in the park.

To get an application for the parade, stop by the Depot or download from the website www.greenville-alabama.com. For more information, call the Chamber offices at 382-3251.