News Editor

Nov. 11, 2000 10 PM

Every year the residents of Troy and Pike County look forward to the annual City of Troy Christmas Parade, and this year is no different.

This year the Christmas parade is expected to be bigger and better than ever. Last year there were 120 entries, and the parade committee expects even more entries this year.

"The parade committee is working very hard to make the parade a success," said Sheila Jackson, chairperson the City of Troy Christmas Parade Committee. "Attendance has been good the last few years and we want that to continue. Last year the entries were wonderful and so was the crowd, and this year we want it to be even bigger and better."

The City of Troy Christmas Parade Committee encourages businesses, organizations, schools, church groups and anyone who can get a group together to participate in the parade.

"The more we have in the parade the more enjoyable it is for spectators," said Jackson. "The square is a beautiful place during the holiday season and the parade just tops off the festivities. We want a lot of entries int the parade this year so everyone can be part of the fun."

So far there six bands are expected in the line up including Troy State University’s Sound of the South, the Charles Henderson High School Band, the Goshen High School Band and the Ft. Rucker Army Band.

Even though bands are an important part of the parade other entries are equally as important, and everyone is encouraged to participate. Also included in the line up are the County Road Cruisers, antique cars, beauty pageant winners and the Merry Hearts Clowns. The city is also very involved in the parade with each city department designing its own float.

The City of Troy Christmas Parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27, and will kick off an evening full of Christmas festivities.

Children are an important part of Christmas, the city wants to make sure they are involved with the festivities. Beginning Nov. 1 children will have a chance to ride with Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford and his wife Faye in the parade. Parents are asked to bring their children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade to Troy City Hall between Nov. 1 and Nov. 22 to register for the drawing. There will be a drop box in the lobby of Troy City Hall for children to register. Two children will be chosen to ride with the mayor and his wife.

After the parade there will be a tree lighting ceremony on the square in downtown Troy. The mayor, his wife and the children who were chosen to ride on the float will officially light the city’s Christmas tree. After the tree lighting ceremony local churches, groups and individuals will lead Christmas carols that will ring throughout the square.

"We want everyone to be involved in the parade, whether as a participant or a spectator," Jackson said. "Christmas is a special time and we enjoy making is a time of fun and fellowship for the citizens of Troy and Pike County."

Anyone interested in participating in the City of Troy Christmas Parade can sign up by calling Vicki Wilson at Troy City Hall at 566-0177.