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With Christmas just two weeks away, folks around the area are looking for ways to celebrate the holiday season.

For those in search of parades, finding one in close proximity to Brewton has been a difficult task. But, the Appleton Volunteer Fire Department has the answer to your parade dilemma this season.

The annual Appleton Community Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 19 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Appleton VFD headquarters at the intersection of Appleton Road and Mason Mill Pond Road.

Assistant Chief Alex  Singleton this year’s parade is seeing some growth due to cancellations around the area.

‘This will be our 23^rd year of having the parade in Appleton,” Singleton said. “We have certainly seen a lot of interest from new groups who are interested in participating this year due to some cancelled parades all around us. We do expect this year’s parade to be a little bit bigger than in the past.”

Although Appleton Volunteer Fire Department is still accepting applications to participate, Singleton said the deadline for getting information into the department is quickly approaching.

“We do have a few new rules this year that people need to be aware of,” Singleton said. “We want everyone to participate if they want to, but due to some new circumstances, there are specific rules that must be followed for this year’s parade.”

Although the rules may be increasing this year, the goal of the event remains the same.

“We just want everyone to have a good time and stay safe in the process,” Singleton said. “We have shortened our route just a little for safety reasons, but people will still have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the parade.”

Singleton stressed that there is no registration fee to be included in the parade, but donations to the Appleton Volunteer Fire Department would be appreciated and help make it possible to purchase needed equipment for the department.

“We appreciate donations,” Singleton said. “Donations are what help us to save lives in our work.”

Coordinators for the event are asking those who park along the parade route to be mindful of homeowners and respect their property by not blocking driveways along the route.

Rules to consider before registering to participate include:

• All drivers will be required to submit an application by Dec. 16 with all participants (drivers and riders) required to sign a waiver before participating in the parade. Minors must have waivers signed by parent or guardian;

• Standing will not be allowed on any floats or vehicles. No exceptions.

• All drivers must report to the staging area no later than 9:30 a.m. on parade day.

• The intersection of Appleton Road and Tippens Eddy Road will be the official end of the parade route and is not a suitable staging area. You are responsible for getting to a safe location after the parade to unload floats/load vehicles. Please plan ahead and make arrangements to do so safely.

Singleton said that even though the event is outdoors, parade-goers are asked to observe social distancing guidelines.

For moew information or to register, contact Singleton at 251-654-2192 or by email at Appleton FireDepartmentBrewton@gmail.com. Please include the following information when sending registration information: Name, contact number; entry for the parade; number of vehicles and drivers; number of riders expected.

Singleton said that even though the event is outdoors, parade-goers are asked to observe social distancing guidelines.