By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
With most cities in the area cancelling their Christmas parades, the Atmore Chamber of Commerce is going ahead with the annual parade here.
“The decision to have our Annual Twilight Christmas Parade was not taken lightly,” Chamber President Emilee Waters said. “The Chamber team reached out to multiple cities and chambers that went forward with their parades this past weekend. After positive feedback and great guidance, the Board of Directors felt we could provide the same festivities to Atmore. We have spoken with our city officials as well to ensure we are all collaborating to make the parade the safest it can be. Our requirements for participants are gloves and masks to be worn by all. Our expectations for spectators are to adhere to social distancing and mask requirements. We look forward to this Saturday and we wish all a very Merry Christmas.”
This year’s grand marshal is Myrna Monroe, recipient of the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. (As recipient of the 2020 Lifetime Business Award, Jim Johnson was also invited to be a grand marshal but is not able to attend the parade.)
According to Chamber Executive Director Anna Norton, 53 participants are expected to participate in the parade, including cars, trucks, fire trucks, cheer teams, football teams, antique cars, Cruisers Unlimited, golf carts, tractors, walkers, and SANTA!
While the Chamber cannot enforce guidelines for those attending the parade, they can require those in the parade to abide by guidelines.
“We are requiring all participants to wear a mask and if they are throwing candy to wear gloves,” Norton said. “We understand COVID-19 is going around so we are asking anyone attending the parade to please cooperate with the state-mandated guidelines to socially distance themselves when in public. Please wear your mask and take the best possible precautions. We want everyone to have fun but be safe as well. It’s Christmas time and we want to spread holiday cheer, not holiday germs.”
The parade begins Saturday, December 12, at 5:30 p.m., and rolls from city hall, down Main Street, to Escambia County High School. This year’s theme is Songs of Christmas.