The Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its schedule for the upcoming annual Christmas tree lighting and Christmas parade.

The lighting of the Chamber Christmas tree will be held at Douglass Park at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1.

“We have outgrown our traditional space at the Pepsi Pavilion in downtown Luverne,” Chamber President Don Nix said.

“We are pleased to partner with Mayor Ed Beasley and the City of Luverne at the new venue. There is more space for our growing attendance and the park should offer less exposure to automotive traffic.”

Douglass Park is located just south of the Luverne Fire Dept. at 217 South Forest Avenue.

This event will be held in conjunction with the guide to online casinos for canadians City of Luverne’s tree lighting ceremony.

The Chamber’s Citizen of the Year, Ray Hilburn, will initiate the lighting of the Chamber tree as newly installed Luverne Mayor Ed Beasley simultaneously provides the same service for the City.

“Hot chocolate will be served, along with world famous Sister Schubert’s cinnamon rolls, made right here in Luverne,” said Nix.

Drawings for gift certificates, redeemable at local merchants, will be given out; you must be present to win.

Crenshaw County Schools will perform musical songs as well; this event is free to the public.

Following closely behind the tree lighting will be this year’s Christmas parade.

The Chamber will host its annual Christmas parade in downtown Luverne on Saturday, Dec. 3 beginning at 11 a.m. Line up at the Old Armory begins at 9:30 a.m.  Recognition will be given to the top two entries in the categories of schools, civic and religious institutions.

Pictures with Santa will begin about 10 a.m. at the Pepsi Pavilion on the day of the parade.

The parade often lasts up to 75 minutes and prompted Nix to describe it as “The World’s Largest Small Town Christmas Parade.”

“Our parade is certainly unique to the area. No other community in Alabama or our neighboring states can outmatch the enthusiasm our community has for this event,” Nix said.

“Not only does the Chamber’s Christmas parade promote civic awareness among businesses, schools and community organizations, this parade offers each the opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way.”

To participate in the Christmas parade, interested individuals must bring a donation of one toy, which will go to the Crenshaw County Department of Human Resources’ “Operation Santa Claus” fundraiser.

The local DHR office distributes the toys collected to deserving children of needy families throughout Crenshaw County.