The Christmas season is upon us, and with it comes some of the most joyous and exciting times of the year. Throw in a Christmas parade here and there, and the holidays become awesome!
In Santa Rosa County there are five towns, cities, and communities that have scheduled Christmas parades as annual affairs, the first of which this year is the Town of Jay. The parade there is scheduled for just after Turkey Day on Nov. 24, beginning at 10 a.m.
There is no theme this year: “Just Christmas,” will do is the answer to that question. The parade will begin and end at the Jay City Hall. It will travel downtown to Alabama Street and take in several city blocks before it returns to Jay City Hall.
December 1 will be a very busy day for parades and parade goers.
The first one locally will kick off at 1 p.m. in Pace.
Pace's Christmas Parade, which is sponsored and organized by the Pace Fire and Rescue Department, will start getting lined up at 11 a.m. at Pace High School.
Those who plan to participate in the parade should bring an unwrapped toy for a boy and a girl.
Later than evening, in Milton will be the 2012 Milton Christmas Parade “A Cowboy Christmas” will roll off at 6:30 p.m.
The parade will roll out of the Milton Community Center on Byrom Street, head north to James Street, East on James Street, turn South onto Stewart Street (Highway 87), and disband to the left/right at Elva Street just before Hwy.90.
Ribbons will be awarded for best overall theme, best business entry, best non-profit entry, best originality and creativity.
Registration/Information is available at www.srcchamber.com or call 623-2339
Over 160 entries participated in the 2011 night time parade.
Other parades in Santa Rosa County include the Gulf Breese The Christmas Parade. Gulf Breeze will begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 1.
This year's theme is “Home for the Holidays.” The parade will begin at Gulf Breeze High School and travel down Shore Line, take in several blocks and return.
Navarre will host their annual Christmas Parade at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 1
The parade route will be in the Navarre proper area. It will begin behind McDonalds and roll through the area ending at American Legion Building.
Then the grand daddy of all Christmas Parades the, Chumckla Redneck Parade will get underway on Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.
If you wish to participate in the ever growing event you can get your application at the BonfireJam website at www.bonfirejam.com.
Floats will line up at 11 a.m. on Mineral Springs Road.
Prizes will be awarded for floats this year and will be judged on creativity, theme and audience response. The winning float will be given four tickets to the BonfireJam Concert immediately following the parade.
This year's theme is "Release Your Inner Cowboy."
To participate you must register and pay your fees by Dec. 1
The Chumuckla Athletic Association, who in turns uses the proceeds from the parade to help families within the community who are in need, organizes the parade.
Last year they were able to purchase clothing, toys, food, and Christmas items for many of these families.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Santa Claus is coming to Santa Rosa County