The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Twilight Christmas Parade theme is ‘All Creatures Great and Small-Celebrate One and All.’

The parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. All float participants should be in line by 3:30 p.m. The parade will begin at Atmore City Hall and end at Escambia County High School.

This year the parade is sponsored by Wal-Greens (Gold Sponsor) and David’s Catfish House (Silver Sponsor). Atmore Animal Hospital and Lee Veterinary Clinic are the two Partners of the Parade. Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union is the 2010 Corporate Partner. The event is coordinated by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mandatory safety meetings will be scheduled for all participants to discuss parade rules.

“Safety is of foremost concern as it is a night time parade,” said Shelly Williams with the Chamber of Commerce. “That is why we have these mandatory safety meetings. The first one will be on Nov. 30, at the Atmore YMCA and Dec. 2, time and place to be announced at 5 p.m.”

The float entry fee is $25 and may be made to the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce. Judging for floats will take place during the parade with a first ($300), second ($200) and third ($100) place winner being selected. The floats will be judged on creativity/originality, lighting, theme and overall appearance.

Acknowledgments will be made with plaques for the ‘I’ Award for the entry most innovative, interesting and inspirational and the ‘AHH’ Award for the entry with the best lights, color and sound. Area bands will receive $100 to help with expenses.

• No cars or trucks will be allowed (other than antique cars) with the exception of those carrying parade sponsors, homecoming courts, Little League queens, etc.

• Due to increased liability, there will be no horses with riders.

• All trailers carrying children must have fenders over the tires.

• Drivers must be 21 or older.

• Each float must have two walking monitors and one observer in cab, other than the driver.

• Unloading instructions for floats will be given out at the safety meeting.

• Floats are responsible for their own throws.

The Chamber encourages walking characters or clowns. They are always able to interact with the crowd, and very popular with the children.

The star of the parade, Santa Claus, will be hosted by First National Bank and Trust and no other facsimiles may appear on any other floats. The deadline to submit an entry for the parade will be Monday, Nov. 29.

Santa Claus will be coming back to Atmore on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Heritage Park for Photos with Santa. Refreshments will be served and music will be provided by Escambia County Middle School Choral under the direction of Conrad Weber. This event will be sponsored by Frontier Communications Solutions.