From press reports

The Ackerman Christmas Parade Committee wants everyone involved in the Christmas and holiday spirit.

They are asking businesses, offices, and churches to decorate to help get the community in the ready for the holidays.

Businesses can decorate windows and/or doors. Offices can decorate their doors or outdoor areas. Churches can decorate doors and /or grounds.

There will be no monetary prizes for the competition, but winners will be recognized with certificates and publicity.

There will be several different winners to celebrate the creativity of local businesses, offices, and churches.

For example, prizes will include "Best Use of Merchandise," "Best Office Door," "Best Religious Theme," and others. All decorations should be in place no later than noon on Thursday, December 7.

The parade theme is "Christmas Memories," but decorations will not be limited to this theme. Winners will be announced at the parade and recognized in local publications. Certificates will be presented to all winners.

To be considered for the prizes or for more information, call 285-6251.

The Parade

The Town of Ackerman will host the annual Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 7, at 6 p.m.

This year's theme for the event is "Christmas Memories." The deadline for submitting entries in the parade is Monday, November 27. Entry forms may be picked up, mailed or faxed from the Ackerman Town Hall. The parade route will begin at Ackerman High School and will travel west down Main Street, continue through the two 4-way stops, to the intersection of Highway 15. The parade will turn right onto Highway 15, travel north to Cherry Street, take a right and continue to the Baptist Church. Children may be picked up from floats at the Baptist Church or continue to the end of the route at Ackerman High School.

Awards will be given for first through third place religious and non-religious float winners. One award for the best decorated vehicle, school sponsored entry and other miscellaneous will be given in each category.

Entries will be judged on originality, craftsmanship, costumes, external appearance, style and keeping with the theme. All vehicles entered must be decorated.

Santa Claus will finish out the parade on the "Official Santa Claus Float."

The Holiday Open House at the Choctaw County Library will feature Santa Claus as a special guest. The Holiday Open House will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. before the parade. Parents are invited to bring their camera and take a picture of your child with Santa.

For information on food booths contact Julie Hughes at the Extension Office at 662-285-6337. Forms are available for parade entries at the Town Hall. For more information on the parade contact Ackerman Town Hall at 662-285-6251.