Christmas parade hits streets Thursday

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
December 1, 2002
With Santa and a cast of other seasonal characters making an appearance, organizers of Meridian's 2002 Christmas parade expect a long line of floats to wind its way through downtown streets on Thursday.
Under the theme "Home for the Holidays," this year's parade will be a highlight of local festivities to welcome the holiday season. The city of Meridian's Christmas tree at City Hall will be lit at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
Some details of this year's parade have changed from previous years, such as its lineup point and route. Participants are being notified of where line up their floats and motorists will be alerted to streets that are closed to accommodate the parade.
Prizes will be given out for an overall winner and first, second and third in commercial and non-commercial divisions.
But, mostly, say Coats and co-organizer Michele Pearson, the parade is a chance to have fun while thinking about the true meaning of Christmas.