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Any groups interested in being part of the Albemarle Christmas Parade have until 4 p.m. Friday to sign up.

People can call the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, which organizes the parade, at 704-984-9415. They can also fill out an entry form online at www.albemarledowntown.com/albemarle-christmas-parade-2019/.

Details will be finalized and emailed to parade participants by 5 p.m. Monday.

The parade will be 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14, with start and finish at the Stanly County Family YMCA.

One change from past years is that the ban on candy throwing has been lifted. The ADDC just advises participants remember to keep spectators’ safety in mind.

The 12 grand marshals for the parade will be children in the county that have either survived or are currently undergoing treatment for different forms of pediatric cancer.

“We’re very excited to have them kick off our parade and be our special guests,” ADDC Director Joy Almond said.

Entries feature civic organizations, classic cars, school groups, marching bands, pageant queens, and, at the very end of the parade, Santa Claus.

While last year’s parade had about 75 entries, Almond is currently sifting through entry forms, so she’s not sure how many will be featured this year.

As of Monday’s Albemarle City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Martha Sue Hall said there were 30 entries.

During the council meeting, Councilwoman Shirley Lowder, after hearing from several people about the status of the parade, said “if we’re not going to have a good parade we ought to call it off.”

Mayor Ronnie Michael answered back that most of the people that sign up do so during the last week.