Friday, the Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Poplarville Christmas Parade in the downtown area.
The parade has been a staple attraction for residents for about 40 years, parade chairman Mark Bridgers said. It’s one of the largest events, next to the Blueberry Jubilee and Merchants’ Trick-or-Treat, he said. Thousands attend the parade each year, Bridgers added.
Along the parade route, to the beat of Christmas music, people will view floats from local businesses, churches, civic organizations and schools, Bridgers said. Parade participants are also allowed to throw items from their floats.
Poplarville High School’s marching band, The Green Machine, and Pearl River Community College’s marching band, Spirit of the River will both perform.
Along with floats and marching bands, the parade will include horseback riders, Bridgers said. The final treat will be an appearance by Santa Claus, who will be riding on the city’s fire truck.
Anyone wishing to enter a float into the parade still has time, Bridgers said. Beginning today, late entries will be accepted at RadioShack/Poplarville Hardware and Electronics at 413 South Main St. Applications can be downloaded at www.poplarville.org and may be turned in by Friday at noon.
The registration fee is $30. Horses and motorcycle entries are $3.
“All funds raised are put towards supporting the chamber,” Bridgers said. “It’s important to support your local chamber because they promote businesses and support local activities. This event is important to businesses because business owners can use this opportunity for exposure. You can reach thousands of people in a matter of minutes.”
The parade begins at 5 p.m. at Poplarville High School, travel down Main Street and turns left onto Larkin Smith Street and will end at PRCC.
Bridgers recommends parade goers begin lining up along the route at 3:15 p.m. to be guaranteed an optimal viewing spot.
Poplarville Police Chief Charlie Fazende said throughout the years there have been no serious mishaps at the parades.
“I attribute that to parents being wary of where their kids are,” Fazende said. “I want to again stress to parents to keep an eye on their kids.”
Fazende said he would also like to remind citizens to wear light colored clothing, obey all traffic laws and do not cross the street between floats while the parade is rolling.
Rules and regulations for parade entrants can be found on the registration form.
For more information, contact Bridgers at 601-795-7032.