The Selma Times-Journal

Volunteer orientation meetings for the 2006 Selma Christmas Parade are set for Thursday, Nov. 30 at noon or 5:15 p.m. at the Selma-Dallas County Centre for Commerce. Volunteers must attend one of the meetings.

The Christmas Parade is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 along Broad Street downtown. This year’s theme is &8220;Joy to the World.&8221; The parade registration deadline was Nov. 22 at noon. However, those who wish to register a motorized vehicle or float have until 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 28. The late registration fee is $30 and forms are available at the Centre for Commerce.

Registration of a vehicle in the parade requires the entrant to provide a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, tag number and make and model of the vehicle. Each entry will be assigned a number that must be visible in the front windshield of the vehicle at all times.

All parade participants are to enter Washington Street from Jeff Davis Avenue and arrive at the corner of Washington and Furniss avenues by 8 a.m. Dec. 2. The parade route will begin at the corner of Water Avenue and Washington Street.

Immediately following the parade, a Battle of the Bands competition and awards ceremony will be held at Selma Mall.

The City of Selma and the Centre for Commerce are working closely with the Selma Police Department to ensure the safety of parade participants and spectators. General safety precautions and rules include:

No use or possession of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.

No throwing or handing out of candy or other items.

No riding on hoods, trunks or roofs of vehicles.

All car doors are to remain closed throughout parade route.

All must be traditional holiday music.

All dancing must be appropriate and decent for family viewing.

No Santa Claus other than the one the Centre for Commerce has enlisted.

Line-up is at 8 a.m. – parade entrants must pick up their numbers to participate.

For more information call (334) 875-7241.