By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The City of Gardendale gets into the holiday spirit Thursday with its annual Christmas parade, set to begin at 6 p.m.

According to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joy Clayton, this year’s parade features more entries than last year’s event with more than 100 signed up to take part. The parade generally draws more than 10,000 spectators.

Despite a controversial decision to put an end to throwing candy at this year’s parade, Clayton said candy will still be handed out. She said the majority of entries will have walkers beside floats handing out candy, ornaments and t-shirts to spectators.

“There’s still going to be candy in the parade, but nothing will be thrown for safety reasons,” she said.

Clayton said members of the community will be judging parade entries this year. The theme of this year’s parade is “All I Want for Christmas.”

Awards will be presented at the Dec. 13 Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Additionally, businesses along the parade route will be hosting an open house as part of the chamber’s “Shop Gardendale First” campaign.

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Joe Kines is slated to be the grand marshal.

The parade will begin on Fieldstown Road at Mt. Olive Road, then turn right onto Grubbs Avenue. From Grubbs, the procession travels through the parking lot in front of the Gardendale Chiropractic Center before turning onto Main Street and finishing at Gardendale First Baptist Church.

Several roads will also be closed prior to the parade including:

• Mt. Olive Road, between Main Street and Fieldstown Road

• Grubbs Avenue

• Main Street from the Garden Shopping Center to the Gardendale Civic Center

“This is always a very popular event in the city of Gardendale and we take great pride in being one of the largest parades in the state,” Clayton said. “We’re looking forward to ringing in the wonderful Christmas season on Thursday.”