ENTRIES BEING ACCEPTED FOR NOV. 30 CHRISTMAS PARADE

More than 100 lighted entries are expected in the fifth annual Christmas Parade of Lights.

The parade will be held Nov. 30, starting at 5 p.m. or as soon as darkness permits.

Entries are being accepted. Floats and vehicles must contain Christmas-oriented decorations and be lighted. They can't include a live Santa Claus.

"The parade is held every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving," said "Doc" Cain, chairman of the parade. "It kind of kicks off our Christmas season.

"We've had tremendous crowds in the past to watch the parade, and we anticipate we will have another great parade."

This year, merchants and residents along the parade route are being asked to decorate with Christmas lights also.

"This will really add to the festivities," Cain said.

More than 65 entries already have signed up. All types of organizations participate, including civic and church groups and individuals.

"We have a little bit of everything," Cain said. "We have some horses and dogs and quite a few floats."

Cain said entries have become more complex over the years.

"People put some tremendous effort into these floats," Cain said.

At least two marching bands are scheduled.

The parade lines up in Capaha Park and travels down Broadway to Main. It disbands at Hutson's Furniture.

For information about entering, call 334-0954.

The parade is a joint venture of the Downtown Merchants Association, KBSI Fox-23 and Zimmer Broadcasting.