By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

WESTOVER—Before Santa Claus takes off to deliver presents around the world, he’s making a trip to Westover on Dec. 12 for the town’s Christmas parade.

“He’s the man of the hour!” Westover Mayor Mark McLaughlin said of Santa. “We’re really grateful he’s going to be here.”

Lineup will begin at 8 a.m., and the parade will kick off at 10 a.m. from Old Highway 280 and Shelby County 51. The parade will travel approximately one mile down Old Highway 280 and end at Shelby County 55.

“That’s a straight road, you’ve got just great views of the parade,” McLaughlin said.

Viewers can park cars and gather along Old Highway 280 to see the parade. McLaughlin said there will also be candy thrown out for children to collect.

“We think the parade is shaping up to be bigger than ever,” McLaughlin said. “We just think there’s something for just about everybody to enjoy… There’s really not a weak spot.”

The parade will feature numerous floats, antique cars, the town’s fire trucks, performers and more. Smokey the Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime Dog will all make appearances, and the procession will conclude with Santa’s float.

However, the fun doesn’t end with the parade. Viewers are invited to warm up with a hotdog and hot chocolate, enjoy live entertainment and browse through local vendor booths set up at the end of the parade route.

Children can also have their picture taken with Sparky the Fire Dog, McGruff the Crime Dog, Smokey the Bear and, of course, Santa Claus.

“Folks shouldn’t think about taking off once the parade is over,” McLaughlin said. “Park, hang out and enjoy what’s there.”

The Christmas parade is an annual Westover tradition and something that brings the town together.

“It’s a tucked away parade, a lot of people are still learning about the parade,” McLaughlin said. “It’s going to be a good way to kick off Christmas.”