By By Adam Prestridge
As Santa Claus makes last-minute preparations for a busy Christmas Eve, he is also packing his bag for his yearly visit to the City of Atmore.
Santa will join hundreds of parade-goers in next Saturday night’s Twilight Christmas Parade held by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union.
According to Chamber Office Manager Shelly Williams, 15 float entries had been made as of Wednesday. Williams and Vickery both believe there are several more late entries to come.
Williams said she anticipates 20 or more floats to enter.
This year’s theme for the Twilight Christmas parade is “A Broadway Christmas.”
There are many Broadway musicals to choose from including, “Mary Poppins,” “The Sound of Music,” “Joseph &the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Oklahoma,” “Grease,” “Beauty &The Beast,” “Cats,” “My Fair Lady,” “Hello Dolly,” “Annie,” “Babes in Toyland,” “Camelot” and “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
In addition to floats, the Chamber has secured four area high school marching bands including Escambia County, Northview, Flomaton and J.U. Blacksher high schools. There will also be numerous marching groups, twirlers, antique cars, the Abba Shriners go-carts and much more.
Vickery also announced that members of the Greater Escambia Council of the Arts would serve as the parade’s grand marshals.
The parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 from Atmore City Hall, make its way down Main Street to Lindberg Avenue and end at Escambia County High School.
A representative from each entry is required to attend one of two mandatory safety meetings scheduled for 5 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 3 at the Atmore YMCA.
Santa will stay in Atmore for the weekend in preparation for Santa in the Park slated from 5 p.m. until 8 pm. on Dec. 8 in Heritage Park. At the event, children will have the chance to have their photo taken with the Santa Claus and visit with some of his elves. There will also be refreshments served.