By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – Christmas is almost here and one of the best longstanding traditions includes the Helena Christmas Parade.

The Helena Christmas Parade Committee has been hard at work planning the details for the 48^th annual Helena Christmas Parade and on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. the parade will once again take place. If all participants are in place, the parade could begin prior to 1 p.m. however.

The theme for this year’s parade is “The Sounds of Christmas,” as the parade will honor long-time resident Ron Holly.

Holly has served numerous years as a city volunteer who donates his time at the Buck Creek Festival, Helena Market Days and Friday Night Movies in Old Town. Holly also serves as the official greeter for Helena in the Red Caboose in Old Town by the train tracks.

The lineup of floats will begin as early as 9 a.m. All floats must be in place at the beginning of the parade route on Alabama 261 and ready to be judged by 11:30 a.m.

Anyone wishing to enter the parade must download a form on the city’s website.

Entrants must include their name, contact address, telephone and an introduction that the announcer will make.

Completed forms can be emailed to kym@cityofhelena.org or turned in at Helena City Hall before 9 a.m. on Dec. 1.

Forms can be found at Cityofhelena.org/Default.asp?ID=189&pg=Christmas+Parade+Info.

The Helena Christmas Parade is a rain or shine event. If the parade happens to be called off due to weather, the Helena Police Department will make the determination the morning of the parade. There will be no make-up date.