Nineteen bands and 14 floats had been entered in Friday’s 77th annual Roy Martin Delta Band Festival and Christmas Parade as of this morning.
This year’s parade begins at 4 p.m. Friday, and lineup will begin at 1 p.m. on Johnson Street.
The theme is “Christmas Around the World.”
“This is always one of Greenwood’s favorite events. This year is no exception,” said Beth Stevens, executive director of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber is the official sponsor of the parade.
This year, the parade route starts at the intersection of Walthall Street and Carrollton Avenue.
From there it heads west on Carrollton to Howard Street. It then heads north on Howard Street, turning west on Market Street and north on Fulton Street. The parade crosses the Keesler Bridge and continues down Grand Boulevard to West Park Avenue.
Vehicles parked along the parade route must be moved by 2 p.m. Those that are not moved will be towed away by orders of the Greenwood Police Department.
Stevens said the bands and floats will be judged before the parade. The winning entrants will be presented their awards as they pass the Bank of Commerce building on Howard Street.
In addition, a number of Scouting groups are participating in the parade.
Within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the parade, a fireworks program will be held between the Keesler and Veterans bridges. The fireworks are sponsored by the Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Stevens said countless people have given their time over the years to make the parade a success.
“We have a great group of volunteers. The public has also supported this event through donations,” she said.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
