With less than three weeks until his annual around the world trip, Santa Claus is preparing to make another early stop through Selma this weekend.

Claus, who was busy checking and re-checking his packing lists on Friday, said he is thrilled to be taking part in the city’s annual Christmas parade, which starts Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the base of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

“This will be the fourth year I have done the parade in Selma,” Claus said. “And truthfully it is always such a fun occasion. I just love watching the people light up. Anything that brings joy to the people of Selma is just a good experience for me.”

Claus, who will be joined again this year by Mrs. Claus, said the couple always enjoy interacting with the crowds that turn out to see the floats make their way down Broad Street.

“You just get to see people’s reactions and everybody is just so happy,” Claus said. “It’s so exciting to see the kids gets excited. And I even see so many of their parents get excited as we pass by. It’s always a great time for Mrs. Claus and I.”

“We will be waving to everyone who shows up in the morning.” Claus said. “A couple of years ago they gave me a microphone and I was able to shout out to everybody in the crowd, so we’ll see if that can happen again this year.”

For families looking to find more time with Santa, he said he will be just up the road for most of the day before heading back to the North Pole.

“When we leave the parade, we will be heading to the Selma Mall, where we will be until 7 p.m.”

Adding that Saturday’s forecast features cool temperatures and a chance of rain, Claus was quick to say he in joining the crowd members in wishing for dry conditions for the annual romp down Broad Street.

“I just hope we can have a dry day so that everyone can come out, line the streets, and enjoy another beautiful parade in Selma,” Claus said.