By JENNIFER MAIER / Community Columnist

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be seen in Columbiana as several annual events kick off a season of celebration.

People in Columbiana love a parade, and on Thursday, Dec. 1 they will be able to enjoy the annual Columbiana Christmas Parade on Main Street.

Parade events start at 5:30 p.m. with Christmas carolers near the center of town next to the beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

After the caroling is complete, the Dream Makers dance group will perform. The parade will begin at 7 p.m., at which time this year’s Grand Marshals Oliver and Ann Head will light the Christmas tree.

The parade will feature vehicles of all types, each decorated in the holiday spirit. Special guests Miss Shelby County Chassidy Sumler and Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Blakely Channell will be in the parade.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Columbiana Tour of Homes will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature four homes, a business and a church: Joel and Amy Dixon, 411 N. Main St.; First Baptist Church of Columbiana, 208 N. Main St.; Gail’s Columbiana Florist, owned by Lesa Nivens Benefield, 100 S. Main St.; Horsefeathers Farm, owned by Don and Candye Lundy, 3663 Hwy. 77; James and Trecia Denney, 589 Crumpton Cemetery Road; Terry and Anita Davis, 1101 Paradise Cove Lane, Wilsonville.

The Columbiana Trolley will be available to shuttle tour-goers to the three featured locations on Main Street. The ride is free and pick-up will be the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Columbiana.

Don’t forget to drop by the Shelby County Arts Council the day of the tour and stock up on gifts made by local artists. The arts council, located at 104 Mildred St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Tickets for the Columbiana Tour of Homes can be purchased in advance in for $15 at Busy Hands, located at 202 N. Main St., or Main Street Florist, located at 114 N. Main St. Tickets can also be purchased at any of the featured homes or businesses for $20 during the event. A map of all locations will be on the ticket.

On Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., you can have your picture taken with Santa in front of Columbiana Eye Care at 112 S. Main St. Photographer Leigh Ann Langley will be taking the pictures, which will be $25 for an 8-by-10-inch photograph. Pets are welcome!

Back by popular demand will be the Lights of Columbiana Tour, which will take place on Dec. 15 and 16. Tours will depart the Columbiana Senior Center at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each night. The tour is a fundraiser for the Columbiana Main Street Program.

Mayor Stancil Handley will be on board the trolley to narrate during the tour as the trolley drives by the beautifully decorated homes of Columbiana. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Busy Hands for $5.  Children under 10 ride free but must have a ticket.

So, mark your calendars so you won’t miss all the great events this holiday season in Columbiana.