WESTOVER – The annual Westover Christmas Parade will have a new route this year.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9.

This year’s parade route will begin at Shelby County 55 and continue east on Shelby County 280 (Old Highway 280) to Westover City Hall.

Parade staging will take place starting at 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Shelby County 55 and Shelby County 280, and north along 55.

Participants should take Shelby County 51 to Shelby County 55 and then south on 55 to get in line.

Participants should arrive at the staging area no later than 9:30 a.m., as the parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

Shelby County 55 southbound from Shelby County 51 to Shelby County 280 will be closed to non-parade traffic.

Spectators are encouraged to park along Shelby County 280 between Shelby County 55 and City Hall.

There is no entry fee to participate in the parade.

Floats, cars or even groups that plan to walk can be entered in the parade.

Anyone interested must complete a registration form, which can be found at WestoverAlabama.org or at Town Hall, which is located at 3312 Westover Road and is open from 8 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays.

Those who do not have internet access and that can not visit City Hall can call Westover Town Clerk Nicole Brooks at 678-3375 extension 701.

Parade entries will be judged and awards given to first, second and third place.

“At the conclusion of the actual parade, there will be festivities for you and your family to enjoy, such as hot dogs and drinks, music and attractions for kids,” Westover Mayor Larry Riggins wrote in a letter to members of the community. “Santa will be hanging around for photos as well.”

Food will be provided by DEC Fire and Water Restoration.

For more information, visit WestoverAlabama.org.