BLADENBORO — The annual Christmas Parade through the town of Bladenboro wlil be held Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m.

The parade will begin in the Bo’s parking lot, travel into the downtown area and finish up at Bladenboro Middle School.

Numerous entries are expected to participate in the parade, including local school bands, fire departments, law enforcement, elected officials, pageant queens, clowns, the Beast of Bladenboro and much more. Youngsters are urged to bring their paper and plastic bags to collect the candy that will be flung along the parade route.

In addition, WWAT-TV3 sports anchor John Rendleman will serve as the parade’s grand marshal — and bringing up the rear, as always, will be Santa and Mrs. Claus.

According to the history of the parade, it began about 1973 as a community parade for a Brownie Scout Troop as the idea of Jane Walters and Sue Thompson Galloway — each of whom remain active in organizing the Christmas parade.

Anyone needing information about the parade can contact Amanda Sykes at 910-874-2627.

Staff report