100-plus units to march in Madison Christmas Parade on Dec. 13
An oversized penguin accompanied children in this float in the 2013 Madison Christmas Parade. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – With 100-plus entries in its largest-ever procession, the annual Madison Christmas Parade will march through the historic district on Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
“Home for the Holidays” is the 2014 theme, city event and volunteer coordinator Gayle Milam said.
“We have over 25 floats ranging from 10 to 20 feet, both Bob Jones and James Clemens high school bands and ROTC,” Milam said. “New to the parade are awesome entries from the Hy-Tech Rednecks and the Rocket City Mini with mini-Coopers.”
Numerous community groups will march, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, University of Alabama A&M Junior Dancers, cadence groups, cheerleaders and Indian Princesses. “Of course, Santa will arrive in fashion in a white carriage trimmed in red velvet and pulled by Dana, a horse decked out in jungle bells,” Milam said.
Parade units will line up on Skate Park Drive at Insanity Skate Park at 4 p.m. Mill Road will close at 5 p.m. The parade will proceed west on Mill Road, south on Church Street, west on Front Street, north on Sullivan Street and east to Skate Park Drive.
Winning units will continue to Sady’s Bistro, 14 Main St. for the awards ceremony.
For the 2013 Christmas parade, Gateway Management Company won the “Spectacular Sparkles Award” for lighting. St. John the Baptist Catholic School fourth-graders earned the “Elfin Magic Award” as the best children’s entry.
In 2013, James Clemens Cheerleaders won the “Spirit Award.” Bob Jones Marching Band took the “Director’s Award” for best marching unit. Cub Scout Pack 8 captured the “Mayor’s Award” for theme portrayal.
Madison Parks & Recreation’s Santa Express took the “Parade Committee Award” for overall creativity. Madison Mission’s Tramcar earned the “Parade Performance Award.”
“Don’t forget your camera. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Roundhouse following the parade,” Milam said. Also at the Roundhouse, Rotary Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies.
Rain date has been scheduled for Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. For more information, call Milam at 256-772-2557.
