Mark your calendars: the first Christmas parades in the county will take place in McKenzie and Georgiana on Dec. 4. McKenzie heralds the holiday season first, kicking things off at 10 a.m. on Main St. Bring your warm coats, blankets, lawn chairs and cameras and settle back to enjoy an old-fashioned small-town parade, complete with floats, marching units, and vehicles, from golf carts to cars to equines, all festively festooned. Anyone with questions about McKenzie’s parade should call McKenzie town clerk Tina Powell at 374-2311 or 453-0254.

At 2 p.m. that afternoon, the action moves to Georgiana, where the parade will start on Palmer Ave. and wind its way through the downtown square. Awards will be given to the top three entries, and there is no charge to enter the Georgiana parade. For additional information on the Georgiana Christmas Parade, call 376-2555.

Candy and goodies will be thrown from some units during both parades, so spectators are reminded to watch out for moving vehicles and keep an eye on young parade-goers. Santa will make an appearance at both parades, so all youngsters are reminded to stay off the naughty list.