Anticipation is high for Maplesville’s third annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, set for Saturday, Nov. 28 from 3-6 p.m.

This will be the second year for floats to be included said Christine Epperson, assistant EMS chief of Maplesville FD.

“It has really grown this year. We are having a lot more floats to be judged this time,” she said.

Kids and “kids” of all ages will enjoy an afternoon of music, refreshments, photos with Santa, face painting, arts and crafts, Santa sleigh rides, and a soda pop walk. Entertainment will be provided by gospel group Eternal Destination, Maplesville High School Band, and William Langford.

The parade will line up at 5 p.m. and begin at 6 in front of the high school. Parade participants will take part in a float judging contest, which will be held at 5:30. Town residents will also compete in a yard decorating contest, the winners of which will be announced at 4 p.m., Epperson said.

The town plans to welcome Sen. Hank Erwin, Rep. Cam Ward, and Chilton County Sheriff Kevin Davis as guests Saturday.

The event is sponsored by the Town of Maplesville and Maplesville Fire and Rescue.

“Everybody at the fire department has been working hard, and we are still working hard,” Epperson said Wednesday.

The Collins Chapel community also will kick off the Christmas season Saturday with a fire truck parade at 5:15 p.m. and lighting at 5:30. Santa Claus will be making his way there as well.