Still time to join Christmas parade

Published 12:01 am Saturday, November 15, 2014

The Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce is giving the public a chance to help spread the holiday spirit at the Dec. 6 Christmas parade.

Event organizers are still accepting registration forms from those interested in participating in the event.

“To me, the highlight is having the youth participate,” Sheryl Smedley, the executive director for the Chamber of Commerce. “Students with associations and clubs come out and represent their schools, and they do an outstanding job, whether they are in elementary school or high school.”

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The parade, which begins at 10 a.m., will start at the corner of Washington Street and Water Avenue. It will then snake west on Water Avenue to Broad Street before heading north on Broad Street and east on Furniss Avenue.

Next, the parade will trail south on Washington Street, where it will disband.

Floats entered into the parade, which carries the theme “Miracle on Broad Street,” will be judged by individuals from the community but not affiliated with the city of Selma or the Chamber of Commerce.

The floats will be evaluated based on a numbered criteria list, and the floats with the highest points will be awarded with a first, second or third place ribbon.

Smedley said giving the public a chance to compete could leave lasting memories for those who walk away with a prize, especially kids.

“When they get out of school and start their adult life, they can say, ‘Our class won first place in the Christmas parade,’’’ Smedley said.

Car and truck clubs will be limited to five vehicles. Vehicles and horses will be placed at least two abreast to keep the flow of the parade moving.

All units must travel the parade route in a straight line, moving forward at all times.

Weaving, circling and stopping are strictly prohibited.

The rules listed on the registration apply to all participants.

The Selma Police Department will serve as spectators to ensure safety. Officers have the authority to remove any participant whose actions are deemed unsafe.

The registration form and fee, which vary, must be returned to the Chamber of Commerce office at 912 Selma Ave., Selma, AL 36701. They may also be faxed to (334) 875-7142 with all copies of the required documentation.

All fees must be paid for registration to be considered complete.

Therefore, no partial registrations will be accepted, which includes insurance cards and driver’s licenses of all drivers and Coggins tests for all horses.

All checks are to be made payable to “City of Selma – Christmas Parade.”

Fees are non-refundable should be turned in by the final due date. None will be accepted following Nov. 24.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (334) 875-7241 or info@SelmaAlabama.com.