By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

CLANTON— The Clanton Christmas Parade float application deadline is Nov. 28

The parade will be held Dec. 2 and begin at 6 p.m.

The annual parade is organized by the Rotary Club of Chilton County.

“We were asked [by the city of Clanton] soon after the Rotary Club was charter in 2003 … if we would do it,” Rotarian Roger Yeargan said.

The club accepted and has been organizing the community event ever since.

In addition to an appearance by Santa, the club asks that every float or person participating include something in their display “that represents Christmas,” Yeargan said.

This could be as simple as festive decorations or as elaborate as having the entire display having a Christmas theme.

Yeargan said the club sees the parade as a way to serve the community.

Participation in the parade is free, but a registration form is required. The forms can be accessed at http://deniselevans.formstack.com/forms/untitled_volunteer_registration_form.

Those registering online should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. While electronic submission is the preferred format, the club will also accept paper applications. These can be picked up at the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, Clanton City Hall and The Clanton Advertiser.

The route this year will be the same as in previous years. Yeargan said the parade will begin

“at Park Plaza Shopping Center, proceed West two blocks on 4th Avenue North. Turn right onto 6th Street North and proceed one block to 5th Avenue North. Turn left onto 5th Avenue and proceed west to U.S. Highway 31. Turn left onto U.S. Highway 31 and proceed South to Jackson Avenue. Turn left onto Jackson Avenue proceeding to 6th Street North. Turn left onto 6th Street. and proceed to 3rd Avenue North. Turn right onto 3rd Avenue North at First Baptist Church proceeding east to parking lot at Park Plaza Shopping Center.”

Suzannah Campbell, administrator of St. Vincent’s Chilton, will serve as this year’s Grand Marshall.

Many choose to watch the parade from the downtown areas. Yeargan said if spectators want a less crowded spot they can watch from the Dixie Shopping Center on Highway 31, this is near where the parade will make a turn.