MADISON – “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas” is the theme for the 2017 Madison Christmas Parade, slated for Dec. 9.

The parade kickoff will be at 5:30 p.m. Parade units will line up on Plaza Boulevard, turn right (south) on Hughes Road, turn right (west) on Mill Road, turn left (south) on Church Street and turn right (west) on Main Street.

“Don’t forget your camera. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Roundhouse following the parade,” City Event and Volunteer Coordinator Gayle Milam said. Also at the Roundhouse, members of Rotary Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies.

Entries will vie for awards in several categories:

* Spectacular Sparkles Award — Given to entry with outstanding lights or illumination.

* Elfin Magic Award — For an entry that features children as primary focus.

* Sprit Award — Given to the entry that shows the most enthusiasm during the parade.

* Director’s Award (Small Group, 0 to 50 members) — Given to the best marching/walking group

* Director’s Award (Large Group, 51-plus members) — Given to the best marching/walking group

* Mayor’s Award (Small Float/Display) — Overall outstanding entry depicting parade theme, “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.”

* Mayor’s Award (Large Float/Display) — Overall outstanding entry depicting parade theme, “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.”

* Parade Committee Award (Small Float/Display) — Best overall originality, creativity, appearance and uniqueness of decorations.

* Parade Committee Award (Large Float/Display) — Best overall originality, creativity, appearance and uniqueness of decorations.

* Parade Performance Award — Given to any entry that does an outstanding, entertaining, crowd-pleasing performance during the parade while riding or marching.

Rain date for the parade will be Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.

Registration deadline will be Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. Applications are available at madisonal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/819.

Return applications by postal mail to Madison Christmas Parade, Attn: Gayle Milam, 8324 Madison Pike, Madison AL 35758. Email forms to gayle.milam@madisonal.gov or fax to 256-772-9377 Individuals also can deliver applications to the front desk at Dublin Park, 8324 Old Madison Pike.

For more information, call Milam at 256-772-2557 or email gayle.milam@madisonal.gov.