Madison Christmas Parade set for Dec. 8, registration deadline is Nov. 26
With “12 Days of Christmas” as its theme, the Madison Christmas Parade will usher in Yuletide cheer on Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
To-date, organizations and businesses registered for floats are Eastview Family Dentistry, Bellus Salon and Spa, Alabama Longhouse Indian Princess and Sartec K-9 Search and Rescue Unit.
Registration deadline for floats is Nov. 26. Registration forms are available at Dublin Park or at madisonal.gov/index.aspx?nid=93.
To follow the “12 Days of Christmas” theme, Milam suggests “taking one of the days that sticks out to you and use that as your main focus: for five golden rings, use five hula hoops painted gold and arranged on a float or groups of five walkers with rings. An assembly of Christmas trees can represent each of the days.”
Bob Jones High School Patriot Band will march, and James Clemens High School Jets Band has been contacted, Gayle Milam said. Milam works as the city’s event and volunteer coordinator.
Marching units who already have registered include “Madison Living” magazine, Bob Jones Air Force JROTC, Bananas Parties and Boutique, Tutor Doctor, Cumulus Radio, HEMSI, fourth-graders from St. John the Baptist Catholic School and Madison Family of the Year.
Santa Claus will take a break from building toys and visit from the North Pole.
The parade route will start from Plaza Boulevard, south on Hughes Road, west on Mill Road, south on Church Street and continue to downtown.
Award winners in 2011 were Eagle Collision, Madison Parks and Recreation Department, Bob Jones Band, St. John’s fourth-graders and Native Sons and Daughters.
Award categories are “Spectacular Sparkles” for outstanding illumination; “Elfin Magic” featuring children; “Spirit” for most enthusiasm; “Director’s Award” for best marching unit; “Mayor’s Award” for best theme adaptation; and “Parade Committee Award” for best overall originality.
After the parade, awards will be presented at the Roundhouse on Front Street. Rotary Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies.
For more information, call Milam at 256-772-9300 or send email to gayle.milam@madisonal.gov.
Photos contributed by Gayle Milam. Edited Nov. 16 to reflect scheduling changes.