The annual Christmas Parade, hosted by the Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune, is preparing to feature a world of candy canes and mistletoe. The registration deadline is Saturday.
The theme for the 56th Christmas parade is “Home for the Holidays,” Parade Chairwoman Leslie Lincoln said, who chose the theme along with her co-chair Allison Meitzler.
Each year, the parade raises funds for the group’s scholarship fund, which awards $1,500 to two graduating high school students, one from Picayune Memorial High School and one from Pearl River Central High School, Lincoln said.
All funds raised through registration fees are designated for the scholarship fund, she said.
Over 80 groups are expected to participate, including floats, cars, trucks, bands and horses. Some slots are still available, Lincoln said.
The registration fee for marching groups and dance teams is $35. Cars and trucks can register for $40, the fee for a float is $50 and the fee for a horse is $25, Lincoln said.
The Picayune and Pearl River Central High School bands will march, along with the NJROTC, Lincoln said.
She said motorcycles are allowed but no one has ever registered one before. Participants are permitted to throw candy, stuffed animals, or any other typical parade item, Lincoln said.
The parade will take place on Monday, December 5 at 6 p.m. and follow its usual route beginning on Goodyear Boulevard turning on Highway 11, Bruce Street, Main Street, then onto West Canal Street, Kirkwood Street and end on Fifth Avenue in the high school parking lot.
“The thing that surprises me the most, working with it for 18 years now, is how many people come out to this parade,” Lincoln said. “You just would not believe what an event it is for this community.”
This year’s Grand Marshall is Michelle Boyd, also named Clubwoman of the Year by the organization, Lincoln said.
She was chosen for her outstanding service to the community through the Pearl River County School Board, her work at First Baptist Church of Picayune and because of her other volunteer efforts, Lincoln said.
Boyd will ride in the convertible toward the front of the parade, she said.
Judges will inspect the participants in a convertible, awarding certificates to those who meet their criteria for most beautiful float, best-decorated car and other categories, Lincoln said.
The deadline to register is Saturday, Nov. 26. Entry forms and guidelines are available at Cuttin’ Up Salon, MeLinda’s Fine Gifts, and the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce. Forms can also be acquired by emailing picayunecwc@yahoo.com or on the Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune Facebook page.