Nothing lights up a dark winter night like the sights and sounds of a Christmas Parade. Folks of all ages will brave a cool wind blowing to gather along the Louisville's downtown streets Monday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in anticipation of the arrival of the brightly decorated floats, the colorful characters riding along and the jolly old elf, St. Nick himself. As always a cross-generational crowd ranging in age from infants to great-grandparents will mostly likely be on hand to cheer on friends and family members performing in the parade. It should be quite a spectacle according to Linda Skelton of the Winston County Chamber of Commerce. The many floats sponsored by local schools, businesses, service clubs, organizations and volunteer groups featuring the Christmas theme "Christmas Melodies" will be judged in several categories. A team of impartial judges will award first, second and third places to best decorated car or truck, best school entries, best civic or church entries, and best industry or business entries. The Louisville parade usually draws over 60 entries competing for the recognition and awards. Skelton and the Chamber also request that only the final parade vehicle have the official and only Santa Clause. This year the parade will host Larry and Barbara Howell as the grand marshals for their contribution of the arts to the community. Entrants for the parade are still being accepted at the chamber office with only a $15 fee to enter the parade. Lineup for the parade begins at 4:30 p.m. at Louisville Coliseum. "We are looking forward to a great parade and invite everyone out to see all the hard work that has been put into these floats and get the Christmas season off to a great start", said Linda Skelton Director of the Chamber of Commerce. "Come early and do some Christmas shopping on Main Street." The parade is hosted each year by the Chamber of Commerce a division of the Winston County Economic Partnership. This year's parade will also have the added features of Louisville Mayor Will Hill opening the event along with an opening prayer and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Skelton added that a sing along of Christmas Carols is also planned leading up to the parade. Noxapater will keep winter nights bright with the holiday spirit as they hold the town's annual parade Tuesday, Dec. 9. at 5:30 pm. For more information or to place an entry for the Louisville Parade contact the Chamber of Commerce at 773-3521. Noxapater Parade The Noxapater Community Alliance will be hosting our Annual Christmas Parade on Tuesday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the evening. The Theme of the Parade is the Joys of Christmas. Music, entertainment and a variety of floats will be on display for the annual parade. Anyone interested in having a float for the Noxapater parade needs to be at the corner of Alice and McCool Street between Noxapater Attendance Center and Noxapater Baptist Church between 4 and 4:30 p.m. to prepare for the lining up of vehicles. There is no entry fees to participate. The Noxapater Community Alliance will also be serving Chili and Stew as a fund raiser to go towards upcoming projects for the town. The chili or stew will cost $5 per serving. For entries or more information on the Noxapater Parade please contact the Noxapater Community Alliance. Other upcoming events on tap are: ¥ Community Thanksgiving Luncheon on November 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 3 - Ladies Night Out - 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm December 7 - Louisville Christmas Parade 5:30 pm December 8 - Noxapater Christmas Parade 5:30 pm December 12 - Kris Kringle Mart Downtown Louisville - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm December 12 - Carl Jackson Concert at Strand Theater - 4:30 pm show and 8:00 pm show December 15 - Winston County Partnership (Chamber of Commerce/Main Street, Economic Development, Incubator) Holiday Open House - 11 am until 1 pm December 17 - Cider Sippin City Shoppin Night for last minute shoppers - 5 pm until 8 p.m.