By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Snowfall in Alabama is a rarity, but there could be plenty of the white stuff in Gardendale soon.

The theme of this year’s 22nd annual Gardendale Christmas parade is “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” The parade is set for Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.

Floats that will appear in the parade will be judged on the merits of creativity with the theme and lighting of the float, according to parade rules.

Gardendale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joy Clayton said the city’s parades usually draw crowds of 10,000 people or more. She expects this year’s parade could exceed that amount.

While the parade may be Gardendale’s top draw for the holiday season, the chamber has two other initiatives — “Ready, Set, Shop Gardendale” and “Candy Cane Lane” — designed to give more exposure to local businesses.

“The idea behind tying these ideas together is to help our area businesses increase sales and recognition,” Clayton said. “It’s also a way for residents to keep in mind that shopping locally will help them save on gas and help our local economy.”

“Ready, Set, Shop Gardendale” is a promotional guide that will include a map of the parade route, but will also provide a way for businesses to advertise open house dates, discounts or other promotions. The cost to enter is $50 for chamber members and $75 for non-chamber members.

“Candy Cane Lane” will provide businesses and organizations a means to set up booths in front of businesses along the parade route. If a business is not located on the parade route, the chamber will secure other locations.

“Those businesses will be able to give out hot chocolate, cookies, coupons or promotional items to those who are attending the parade,” Clayton said. “It’s a great way to be out in front of all these visitors that will be coming into the city.”

A tradition that will also stay the same from last year is the ban on the throwing of candy or other items from the parade floats. A decision was made last year by the chamber of commerce to end the tradition out of concerns that a child could be injured while picking up thrown candy from the street.

Like last year, parade participants walking beside floats will be welcome to hand out candy or gifts to spectators. However, police officials are urging that those handing out items take enough with them to avoid back and forth trips to a moving vehicle.

Clayton said despite the initial unpopularity of the decision, she was unable to tell a decrease in attendance.

“Last year, people thought it would be a detriment, but the parade was still well-attended,” she said. “Handing out items is just another way for businesses to get more exposure and many of them are doing that again this year.”

Those who register for the parade by Monday will be mailed a confirmation letter and a dashboard pass. Those who register after that date will have to obtain that information from the chamber offices, located at 2109 Moncrief Road, Suite. 115.

The deadline to register for the “Ready, Set, Shop Gardendale” promotion is Monday at 2 p.m. All applications are available on the chamber’s Web site at www.gardendalechamberofcommerce.com.

Parade applications and rules are also available at the chamber office, the Gardendale Civic Center, city hall, public library and the parks and recreation department.

“We look forward to having everyone come out and help us ring in the Christmas season,” Clayton said.