By by Suzanne Digmon Staff writer
"Christmas Night of Lights" is the theme for this year's Christmas Parade in Atmore, which will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 6. The parade is sponsored by the chamber of commerce, as is Breakfast with Santa and a children's parade. Breakfast with Santa will take place at 9:30 a.m. the same day at the cabin in Heritage Park, at the corner of Craig and Main Sts. Later that day, at 1 p.m. the children's parade will go from the lot on the corner of Church and Main streets and end at City Hall.
Anyone interested in participating in either parade may pick up applications at the Chamber of Commerce office, located in the Lions Community Center, 501 S. Pensacola Ave.
At the Children's Parade that afternoon, Christmas cheer is rampant as children dress up in festive holiday attire and parade their floats made on wagons; many also ride their bicycles or walk. "They have a wonderful time. We usually have about 50 kids. It is the cutest thing you've ever seen," said Judy Pylate, member of the Chamber and coordinator of the parades for the last several years. Along with all the children's floats, the Escambia County Middle School band, directed by Debra Smith, marches, sometimes in two or three separate bands.
"An all day event," the children's parade is now in its 4th year. Participants in the parade must be at least 5 years old, and floats cannot use motorized vehicles. Participation is free of charge. Everyone in the parade should begin lining up at the lot across from the American Legion building, where the parade begins, about 12:30 p.m. Applications may also be picked up at Gregg's Salon, 106 N. Trammell St.
Executive Director of Atmore's Chamber of Commerce, Emilie Mims, said, "Atmore's twilight Christmas parade, with its lighted floats, is a beautiful event for our community. It attracts many visitors who like to celebrate the season this way."
There is a $15 float entry fee for the evening parade, and participants must be lined up by 3:30 p.m. the day of the parade. Divisions include bands, clowns/ characters, marching groups, and antique cars. Floats are judged on creativity and originality, lighting, theme and overall appearance. There will be a $300 prize for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third.
You may contact the Chamber at 368-3305 or Judy Pylate at 446-4663.