Special to the Reporter

Columbiana parade set for Dec. 3

Columbiana’s annual Christmas parade is set for Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.

The theme for this year’s parade is &8220;A Merry Christmas to All.&8221;

Plans are being made to include floats, dance teams, antique cars and trucks, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, the Shelby County High School marching band, the SCHS Junior ROTC honor guard and cadets, motorcycles, horses, Santa Claus and his helpers. Call Columbiana City Councilmember Ouida Mayfield at 669-7813 for information or to participate.

Vincent Christmas parade set for Nov. 28

Vincent Mayor Terry Allen and the Town Council have set Monday, Nov. 28 as the date for the annual Vincent Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will wind its way from Vincent Middle/High School down Main Street, stopping at the Christmas tree for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Santa will make his traditional entrance on a Vincent Fire Truck and will stop in the parking area behind town hall where he will be available to receive Christmas lists from local children and the Christmas parade floats may be viewed up close.

After the Tree Lighting and Parade, the evening’s program includes Season’s Greetings from town and visiting dignitaries, prize give-aways and Christmas carols.

Float registration forms can be picked up at Vincent Town Hall.

Merchants, organizations, church groups, schools and individuals are invited to enter a float or display in the parade with no entry fee.

The Mayor’s Trophy will be awarded to the Best of Show float; the Council Trophy goes to the Best Merchant float; and the A-Sharp Trophy will be presented to the Best Marching Band.

&8220;This year’s ceremony and parade will be dedicated to all of our men and women in the military, wherever they are serving, and our wishes are that Vincent’s theme of community unity will spread worldwide and that &8216;Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men’ will someday become a reality,&8221; Allen said.

For information, call Gwen Roberts at 672-9834 or Genye Allen at 672-2829.

Tree lighting set in Pelham

Pelham residents plan to usher in the holiday season with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 28 at the Pelham Civic Complex on Amphitheater Road.

Pelham Beautification Board members will give away 1,000 Christmas ornaments at the door.

Program participants include ice-skating performances by Pelham Skate School students beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the Pelham High School Jazz Band, which will begin playing at 6:45 p.m.

The formal program begins at 7 p.m. in the main arena.

Choirs from Valley Elementary, Valley Intermediate, Riverchase Middle and Pelham High will be performing as well as the RMS Band.

The Pelham Fire Department Color Guard and representatives from Boy Scouts of America Troop 404, Pelham will present the colors.

The program will conclude with Santa Claus making his grand entrance on the zamboni and free ice-skating for all students.

The First Baptist Church Bell Choir will play in the ballroom as children visit with Santa and have cookies and hot apple cider. The event is offered at no charge.

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is sponsored by the city of Pelham.

Alabaster parade set for Dec. 3

The Alabaster Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Alabaster Beautification Board, will be held Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m.

It will begin at Keystone Plaza (the FoodSmart Shopping Center) on Highway 31 in Alabaster and end at Buck Creek Park.

Free refreshments will be available to parade participants and spectators at the park following the parade.

Some 100 entries will include floats from area churches, schools and civic organizations along with city and county officials, Scouts, dance troupes, motorcycles, car clubs, horses and Santa Claus.

The theme of the parade is &8220;Christmas in Alabaster,&8221; and prizes will be given in six different categories.

Bob Green, owner of Alabaster Optical, will serve as grand marshal of the parade.

Emcee will be Alabaster resident and radio talk show host Bennie Myles, and serving as judges will be local businessman Corey Farnetti; Joyce Franks of West Blocton, a member of the Tannehill Historical Park Commission for 30 years; and Howard Franks, West Blocton fire chief.

For information, call Maureen Kelley of the Alabaster Beautification Board at 663-7576