By By Adam Prestridge
Santa Claus will make his return to Atmore Saturday evening as he is the guest of honor during 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, more than 15 floats will be featured in this year’s parade, which is themed, “A Broadway Christmas.”
There are many Broadway musicals those in attendance may see 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, four area high school marching bands will be featured 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.
Members of the Greater Escambia Council of the Arts will 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. The first was held at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1 and the last is at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Atmore YMCA.
Santa will also be on hand Friday night during the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ annual Christmas Parade. It will begin at 5 p.m. on the Poarch Reservation and feature numerous floats and much more.
Santa will stay in Atmore for 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 free chili, hot chocolate and cookies served.