Parades set for Friday, Saturday in community

Published 6:12 pm Tuesday, December 7, 2021

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Two Christmas parades are set for this weekend in the Brewton area.

The annual Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade will be held Friday evening beginning at 6 p.m.

The parade units, including floats, band and marching groups, will line up along Shoffner Street in East Brewton beginning at 5 p.m. From Shoffner, the route will see the parade flow onto Forrest Avenue and make its way across Murder Creek to Mildred Street. A right turn onto St. Joseph Avenue will move the band toward Belleville Avenue where the parade will disband along sides streets in the area.

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Judy Crane, executive director for the Chamber, said the parade is expected to be as big as in years past.

“We have about 60 units already set for the parade,” Crane said. “Some units actually have more than one float in the parade, so it will be a big parade which has been the average over the past several years.”

Crane said local bands including W.S. Neal, T.R. Miller, Brewton Middle School and Flomaton will be marching in the parade to provide a musical backdrop for the event.

“We will have Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade, of course,” Crane said. “Santa will be the finale of the parade riding on the fire truck and throwing candy for the crowd.”

Crane said there will be plenty of activity on Friday with the annual event.

“The downtown Market will be going before, during and after the parade,” Crane said. “It’s going to be a big night like always. We’re looking for a big crowd for the event and we are happy to have everyone enjoy the parade and activities.”

On Saturday morning, those who might not get enough parade will have another chance to witness the scenes of the holidays.

The annual Appleton Volunteer Fire Department Parade will kick off at 9 a.m. from the fire station on Mason Mill Pond Road.

Alex Singleton, fire chief for the AVFD, said the parade route will be the same as in years past.

“The parade route will be from Appleton VFD to McGougin Road, down McGougin Road to Appleton Road, and Appleton Road back to Appleton VFD,” Sexton said. “We invite families to bring the kids and find a spot along the route. We will have Santa Claus, of coure, and tons of firetrucks and other emergency vehicles.”

For those still wishing to be a part of the APVD Parade, it’s not too late, Sexton said.

“We have always welcomed members of our community to participate in the Appleton Christmas Parade,” Sexton said. “We love events that bring our community together.”

If you would like to enter the parade this year, email Alex Singleton at AppletonFireDepartment Brewton @gmail.com or text him at 251-654-2192;

There is no fee to enter the parade, but donations to Appleton Volunteer Fire Department are always welcomed.

Rules for parade participants:

Due to insurance/liability reasons, we cannot allow anyone to ride on or in vehicles belonging to Appleton Volunteer Fire Department, except members of the department; ALL participants will be required to sign a waiver before the parade. Minors must have waivers signed by a parent or legal guardian; Standing will not be allowed on any floats or vehicles, no exceptions; ATVs/UTVs must be driven by an adult Age 16 or older.

All drivers must report to the staging area no later than 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning.