Residents of Poplarville are invited to line up Friday evening in time for the Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Parade.

Parade chairman Mark Bridgers, said that this year’s parade should be as big, if not bigger, than years past.

This year, the route will take the same path through the city as previous years, starting at Poplarville High School on Highway 53, heading into downtown Poplarville and making a left onto West I Larkin Smith Street before coming to an end at the new Ramey’s shopping center across the street from Pearl River Community College. The parade will roll at 5 p.m.

So far this year, there have been more than 40 float style entries registered, and there will be a number of walking and equine groups participating.

Heading up this year’s parade, will be this year’s District 4A South State Champions, the Poplarville Hornets football team. Santa Claus will also be in the parade, sitting atop a Poplarville Fire Department fire truck. Bridgers said that the Pearl River Community College football team and band are expected to participate.

“It’s always a good time for folks downtown,” Bridgers said.

Last minute registrations will be taken until the close of business Thursday at Radio Shack, located at 431 South Main Street in Poplarville.