Christmas is right around the corner, and so are the annual Christmas parades and celebrations within the county.

The Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade in Luverne will be held this Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 11 a.m. All parade entries are asked to bring a toy for Toys for Tots during sign-up.

Those entering the parade are asked to be at the staging area in front of the old armory by 10:30 a.m.; however, no cars should be parked in front of the armory or on the side of the armory, as this is the staging area for the parade.

During Luverne’s Christmas parade, the Luverne Garden Club will hold a bake sale at the Crenshaw Cultural Plaza to raise funds for their major projects. Parade watchers can purchase homemade cakes, pies, cookies and candies from the Garden Club just in time for Christmas.

“After the parade, we want everyone to stay and do some early Christmas shopping right here in downtown Luverne as there will be several of our hometown stores open,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sherri Richburg said.

Another big hit will be the Crenshaw County Riders and U.S. military veterans who will be bringing up the rear of the parade with their gifts of toys to benefit DHR’s “Operation Santa Claus.” After the parade, the fourth annual Biker Appreciation Day will be held at the Shriners’ Building (the peanut shack) at the intersection of Hwy. 331 and 10 West. Bikers can enjoy food, music, fun and fellowship. Lunch will be served as this growing annual event kicks off around 12:30 p.m. For more information about Biker Appreciation Day, contact Timbo Blackwell at 799-4678, Vern Flowers at 403-0427, T.L. Washington at 429-1296, or Seth Smith at 850-4488.

Also, the town of Brantley will kick things off this Saturday afternoon with their annual Christmas parade. Line-up for the parade begins at 3 p.m. at Brantley School. The parade itself will begin at 4 p.m. with the parade route following downtown Brantley, turning right onto Glenwood Ave., and heading back up Fulton Ave. and returning to BHS. This year’s Grand Marshals for the parade will be the 2009 Brantley High School state championship baseball team. A Toy Run will also be a part of the annual parade.

Those who want to enter the parade are asked to contact Fire Chief Harry Driggers at 527-3104 or 239-5726 or call Brantley Town Hall at 527-8624.

More Christmas events include the Goshen Christmas Parade on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m., and the Ramer Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m.