NATCHEZ — Ten floats and several bands have signed up for the Natchez Christmas parade, but organizers want more.

The deadline to sign up for the Dec. 5 parade is Dec.1.

“We definitely need more floats to make it a success,” organizer Stratton Hall said.

Hall and her employer First Natchez Radio Group, are handling signups.

She said schools, churches, military groups, civic groups and businesses are all encouraged to sign up.

“We want it to get back to being a hometown Christmas parade. The more the merrier,” she said.

“Growing up, I remember the parade was so long, and you would have all types of different individuals in it.”

The theme this year is “A Musical Christmas,” but Hall said the most important thing for parade participants is to keep it Christmas oriented.

Any street legal vehicle is allowed to sign-up, and horse-riding groups can participate as well. Cars and motorcycles must be a part of a riding club.

Floats are encouraged to throw candy or beads.

Businesses who purchased lighted displays for the parade a few years ago are welcome to use those on a trailer or float this year, Hall said, but do not have to.

Parade lineup will begin at 5 p.m. on Broadway Street, and the parade will start at 6 p.m.

The route runs north on Canal Street to Main Street. The parade travels the wrong way on Main then crosses over and comes back down Franklin Street.

Entry fees are $10 for non-profit organizations and $25 for commercial entries.

An entry form can be found online at www.natchezdemocrat.com with this story or www.95Country.com under “giant stuff.”

Questions should be directed to Hall at 442-4895 ext. 12 or

radiostratton@bellsouth.net.