In a partnership with the city of Selma and the Downtown Selma Association, the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce is helping organize the annual Selma Christmas Parade. But this year’s event — set for Saturday, Dec. 4 — is in need of two things: participants and volunteers.

“To run an event such as this, we really need between 30 to 40 volunteers,” Sheryl Smedley, executive director of the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce. “Right now, we have about 25 signed up.”

And, coming off a 2009 parade, where organizers saw close to 100 entrants — some of which were tied to candidates and political campaigns — there have been right at 50 sign up so far and time is running out.

“This Wednesday is absolutely the cut off date,” Smedley said. “At that point, there really isn’t any way to get anyone else in.”

She said the 50 signed up include bands, floats, horses, cars, trucks and emergency vehicles. Each of those types of entrants has a different registration price that must be paid before rolling off in the parade next Saturday.

This year’s parade also has a slightly different route thanks to the construction and roadwork surrounding the future Interpretive Center at the corner of Water Avenue and Broad Street.

“With that construction, we are going to move the parade route one block up,” Smedley said, adding the route will now turn off of Washington Street onto Alabama Avenue instead of going all the way down to Water Avenue. The route will then turn right onto Broad Street and continue on past the former YMCA building.

Those signed up to participate are asked to be at the parade’s starting point no later than 8 a.m. to receive their number and line-up position. The parade will roll off at 9 a.m.

To sign up for the parade, or for more information, you will need to contact the Selma-Dallas County of Commerce at 875-7241.