Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- Santa Claus is coming to town. Again.

He already made a grand entrance at the lighting of the historic courthouse. Now, he'll be one of the main attractions at the Covington Christmas Parade, set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.

The Covington Lions Club, which sponsors the parade along with Main Street Covington, has received about 90 entries so far, and Parade Chairman Ed Minge said he expects that by the entry deadline Tuesday, that number will be closer to 150, noting that about 10 entry forms are coming in daily.

Between 12,000 and 15,000 spectators come out annually to the event, Minge said.

This year, the parade will feature floats from various civic groups, organizations and businesses, along with local high school marching bands, horses, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Teacher of the Year Melanie Sheets will be the grand marshal, and the families of military members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have been invited to participate as guests of honor.

"'Home for the Holidays' is the theme this year," Minge said. "I'd like to see everybody get involved with it, celebrate being at home and enjoying their hometown and all that goes on in Covington."

Entertainment will take place beginning at 10 a.m. in front of the Newton County Historic Courthouse.

The parade will start at Floyd and Anderson streets and will wind in and around downtown Covington, ending on East Street.

Various local organizations, including Toys for Tots, Operation Sandbox and the Lions Club, will be collecting donations at the event.

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.

For more information, call 770-385-2077.