Organizers set for parade, tree lighting

Published 1:28 am Friday, December 3, 2010

Selma Mayor George Evans used to watch the city’s Christmas parade growing up and wonder what it would be like to be a part of it one day.

“I would watch all the floats and the bands and think about being big enough one day to be in it,” Evans said. “And, for the past couple of years, it’s been an honor, to be in the parade.”

The annual Selma Christmas Parade — organized by the city of Selma’s Planning and Development office in partnership with the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, will roll through downtown Saturday at 9 a.m.

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Leading the way this year will be Concordia College’s marching band and the school’s ROTC color guard.

A reported 70 entries are part of this year’s parade that will roll down portions of Washington Street and then turn right onto Alabama Avenue before turning right on Broad Street.

Evans also announced Thursday, Congresswoman-elect Terry Sewell has agreed to serve as the parade’s grand marshal.

“I did confirm with her that she will be the grand marshal,” Evans said. “She is making every effort to wrap up some items on her schedule Friday to be able to be here in time. We hope she can make it.”

Chamber of Commerce executive director Sheryl Smedley said those participating in the parade must be at the parade’s registration desk — located behind the old Paul M. Grist YMCA — on Washington Street and Furniss Ave, no later than 8 a.m. Saturday to get their position number.

“We have already arranged the lineup so the participants really need to be there at 8 a.m. to get in the proper spot so they can be in the parade,” Smedley said.

Late Wednesday evening, Smedley said she received “great news” when she was informed by officials with the 621st Trooper Support Command, Alabama National Guard unit in Selma, they would help provide volunteers to keep the parade organized.

“That was a great phone call to receive,” Smedley said. “Up until that point we had only had about 25 people sign up to help with the parade.”

Smedley also pointed out those participating must follow the parade regulations Saturday.

Some of those items 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 of vehicles, all car doors must remain closed during the parade, all music played must be Christmas music and all dancing must be appropriate and decent for family viewing.

TREE LIGHTING SATURDAY

The annual Selma Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the Selma City Hall.

Logan Cowart will serve as the event’s mistress of ceremonies, with state Rep. Darrio Melton offering the invocation.

Musical performances will feature the Selma High concert band and Selma High choir director Latresha Woods.