By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Clanton is gearing up for Christmas and the annual downtown parade and tree lighting have been scheduled.

The Rotary Club of Chilton County is accepting applications for this year’s Christmas parade.

Deadline for registration is Nov. 27. Application and participation is free.

Online registration is available at https://rotaryclubofchiltoncounty.wufoo.com/forms/z1bjioyu1wlqhc4/

Applicants are required to agree to the rules set out for the parade, such as the float driver having a valid driver license and insurance. Club President Roger Yeargan said the rules have been developed over the years to continue to keep the parade running smoothly.

A complete list of the rules and paper applications are available at the Clanton City Clerk’s office, The Clanton Advertiser and the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce. Completed forms can also be returned to these locations.

Yeargan said all of the floats are required to have a Christmas theme, but no Santa. Santa will be riding the Rotary float at the end of the parade.

Although marching bands are permitted to participate in the parade, they must keep moving and cannot stop to perform during the parade.

The parade will be Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.

Floats wanting to be included in this year’s contests must be lined up no later than 5 p.m.

Monetary prizes will be given for first, second and third place.

“I enjoy seeing all the children so excited,” Yeargan said.

The annual became a Rotary-sponsored event about 10 years ago when the city of Clanton asked the group if it would become the organizers. The Rotary Club of Chilton County has done so ever since.

The parade route this year will be basically the same as last year. It will start at the Park Plaza Shopping Center, proceed West two blocks on Fourth Avenue North, then turn right onto Sixth Street North and go along a block to Fifth Avenue North. The parade will then turn left onto Fifth Avenue and proceed toward U.S. Highway 31. The parade will then turn left onto U.S. Highway 31 and proceed to Jackson Avenue, turn left onto Jackson Avenue, then left on to Sixth Street North.

This year, floats will return to the parking lot at Park Plaza Shopping Center by turning onto First Avenue.

Candy will be handed out by the Grand Marshal and Santa. Alabama Power is sponsoring the candy this year.

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Downtown Corner Park, located at the corner of Second Avenue and Sixth Street. Santa will arrive at 5 p.m.

Sally Pitts will serve as emcee for the live entertainment. This event is sponsored by the city of Clanton.