Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- The Covington Lions Club is seeking entries for the annual Covington Christmas Parade, set for Dec. 5.

Jointly sponsored by the Lions Club and Main Street Covington, the parade is open to all residents who want to celebrate the holidays, including schools, churches, businesses, clubs, organizations, families and individuals.

This year, organizers are encouraging neighborhoods to join together and create a float, according to Lions Club Director Doreen Stallworth. Several prizes for the best entries will be handed out, including Best Neighborhood Float.

Floats, vehicles, bicycles and walkers are all welcome. The only requirement is that each entry be decorated or dressed in the holiday spirit.

This year there is a limitation on the number of vehicles entrants may have. Those who enter a float are limited to one other vehicle and walkers.

Once again, the staging area will be at Homer Sharp Stadium on Newton Drive and the route will wind in and around downtown Covington.

Entertainment will begin at 10 a.m. with music by local high school marching bands and the U.S. Army Quintet.

Since the Lions took over four years ago, the parade has grown from 65 entries to 150 entries.

"Invite your friends and neighbors to become a part by either entering the parade or just bringing your chairs and maybe a blanket to enjoy the parade," Stallworth said.

Entry forms can be downloaded at www.covingtongalions.org or by e-mailing covparade09@yahoo.com. They are also available at the Main Street Covington office, Ludie's Sporting Goods, Mayfield Ace Hardware, Touch of Country,

Debbie's Deli and the Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce. There is no charge to enter. The deadline to enter is Nov. 30.