Make a wish at Savannah's Christmas parade on Dec. 2

Savannah kicks off the holiday season with its annual Christmas parade Monday.
The city and Savannah Rotary Club are holding the festive event at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 2
This year’s theme is “A Christmas Wish,” and parade organizer Paige Ashe-McLean said there have been more than 70 entries thus far.
“The deadline passed for judging, but we are expecting that there will be additional late entries. I think it is fair to say that people can expect to see more than 100 vehicles, floats, walkers and participants in this year’s parade,” she said.
The entry divisions this year are:
•Business
•Church
• Schools
• Civic
• Scouts
• Bands
• Government
The business division includes retailers, restaurants and local service providers.
The civic division includes nonprofit organizations such as the Kiwanis, Dreamweavers of Savannah and Hardin County’s Carl Perkins Center.
Government entries, such as the county and city fire departments, rescue squads, police/sheriff’s department, are in another division.
Division entries are floats, with or without lights, individual vehicles, bands, walking groups or wagons.
Individual vehicle entries are limited to antique cars, trucks, tractors, with “antique” being defined as anything 50 years or older; or vehicles advertising a business – the vehicle must have the business name on it.
The Savannah Rotary, or the City of Savannah reserves the right to make the determination of what vehicles are permitted.
The parade route starts on Wayne Road at Shell Street at Sherwin Williams, and proceeds through town on Main Street, ending at the cannonballs where participants turn onto Water Street.
Judges will be in front of CB&S Bank at 325 Main St.
Last year there were 76 official entries, 18 additional entries and 12 more vehicles that escorted and headed the parade route.
“We are hoping to have even more this year for people to enjoy,” said Ashe-McLean.
She encourages everyone to come on out and enjoy the parade, which is approximately one hour long from start to finish.
“We have a wonderful parade in Savannah,” Ashe-McLean said. “Our judges are always from other counties and they constantly brag on our participation. The effort and pride our community puts into their floats is unsurpassed.
“The spectators seem to get a more entertaining and spectacular parade every year. I am grateful to those who participate and to our citizens who line the roads to watch and kick off our beautiful Christmas season in our small town.”