By By Janet Little Cooper
Strike up the band because Santa Claus is coming to town. The jolly old man himself will make his first appearance in Atmore Saturday night in the annual Twilight Christmas Parade coordinated by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union.
More than 25 floats and at least two bands from Escambia County High School and Flomaton High School will take to the streets of Atmore at 5 p.m. Saturday to usher in the Christmas season.
"We are astounded by the number of float entries, especially considering the fact that this is an evening parade and that lighted floats are more time consuming to build," Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Emilie Mims said. "This just speaks of the enthusiasm and commitment to the children in our community. Because really the Christmas parade is about making memories for the children of Atmore."
The parade will be lead by the ECHS NJROTC and color guard followed by a surprise grand marshall.
A number of antique cars from the Cruiser's Car Club will also be in the parade as well as a number of high school cheerleaders and fire trucks.
The theme for this year's parade is "Christmas at the Movies." All of the parade's entries will feature a different Christmas movie.
The line up for the parade begins at 3:30 p.m. at Atmore City Hall. The Chamber asks that onlookers do not line Ridgeley Street due to safety issues. The parade will not begin until it reaches South Main Street. The parade will travel down Main Street and turn left onto Lindberg Avenue concluding at ECHS.
"We really want people to play it safe this weekend," Atmore Chamber of Commerce administrative assistant Shelly Williams said. "People need to stay clear of the floats during the parade. The candy will be thrown to them."
The weather is also looking up for the annual parade as well.
"It looks like the parade is going to fall in between rain storms," Williams said. "There is a chance of rain on Friday and Sunday, but Saturday is looking clear at this point."