Finishing touches are being placed on floats as the Bainbridge Community excitedly prepares for the annual Christmas parade this Thursday, December 13.

This parade is always a big holiday event in Bainbridge, and according to Meghan Wimberley, community events coordinator for the City, there are 75 parade entries to enjoy this year.

Parade grand marshals will be the members of the BHS winning Bearcat Football team and the Lady Cats winning Softball team, in honor of their successful seasons.

The parade route begins at the corner of Wheat and Shotwell Streets by Memorial Hospital at 6:30 p.m. and will continue down Shotwell to Broad Street before ending downtown at Willis Park.

Bringing up the rear of the parade will be Jolly old Santa, who will arrive on a fire truck. He will set up headquarters in the Willis Park gazebo where children may meet and tell him of their fondest Christmas gift wishes.

The City reminds all those lined up along the parade route to practice safety issues, particularly as it pertains to the throwing of candy from the floats.

The parade will go forward, rain or shine, and Ms. Wimberley and all others involved are excitedly looking forward to everyone coming downtown to join in the fun