The city of Troy is gearing up for its annual Christmas parade to jump start the holiday season next week.

On Monday Dec. 1, Troy invites those in the city limits and out to join in the holiday festivities beginning at 6 p.m.

“It’s just a way for the community to come together and start off the holidays,” said Catherine Jordan, administrative assistant of public relations and tourism. “It’s open to everyone.”

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will go through downtown Troy.

Jordan said there have already been 100 entries in the parade, and people can submit entries up until 4 p.m. Monday.

Entries can be on foot, in floats or in a vehicle, Jordan said.

This year candy cannot be thrown in the parade, but those walking can hand out candy along the curbs.

The parade route will begin on Elm Street and go down to the square, turn in front of Oliver’s and then go left beside SheBang and Landmark Realty and end in the Pike County Courthouse parking lot.

Those in the parade should be lined up by 5:30 p.m., and should go down George Wallace Drive or Academy Street since Elm Street will be one way.

Following the parade, there will be a Tree Lighting Ceremony on the square, where four local elementary school students will help Mayor Jimmy Lunsford light the trees.

The winners will be chosen, one from each of the local four elementary schools, based on a coloring contest.

At the tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus will be brought in on a fire truck, and he will be available for pictures after the trees are lit.

Jordan said parents will have to bring their own cameras to take pictures.

Jordan said this event has been a tradition in Troy for several years, and it is always held the Monday after Thanksgiving.

“I’m really excited about it because all our citizens are really excited about it,” Jordan said.