A tradition for more than 50 years, Kinston will hold one of its biggest Christmas parades in recent years on Saturday.
Lea Jeffress, co-chairman of the parade committee, said normally there are 100 entries for the parade, but this year there will be 118.
“We have some newcomers along with some regulars. We are very excited for Saturday,” she said.
She said among the 118 entries, there are 11 fire departments, five bands and 21 floats to go along with local dignitaries making their way along the parade route. Also there are entries from Mt. Olive, Angier and Wilson.
“It’s not just Kinston business and churches, we will have people from all over,” she said.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Grainger Avenue, then head down Queen Street, before taking a left onto Caswell and finishing up on East Street.
Jeffress said she anticipates around 1,000 people to be in attendance. Parking for parade goers will be available along Herritage Street and McLewean Street.
She said there have been concerns about possible showers during the parade, but those concerns have lessened.
“I’ve been holding my breath all week, but the rain is not supposed to move in until late that afternoon. It is a rain or shine event, so we will be having the parade as scheduled,” she said.
Jeffress said as soon as the parade is over, Santa will be available for “cookies with Santa,” at the Community Council for the Arts, and children may also make gingerbread houses.
Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Noah.Clark@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @nclark763.