NATCHEZ — Twenty-four floats and three marching bands are confirmed to appear at the Natchez Christmas Parade, and organizers are still seeking participants.

The deadline to sign up for the Dec. 5 parade is Tuesday, organizer Stratton Hall said. First Natchez Radio Group is handling signups. Late entries will not be accepted.

“Some of our local businesses and two Mardi Gras Krewes have signed up to participate,” Hall said. “We’ve had a lot of interest, but I’ve only had 24 confirm.

“Once everybody gets settled back in on Monday, we hope they’ll start thinking about (the parade). I know it will be a success.”

Click on the following link to download a copy of the 2009 Natchez Christmas Parade Entry Form

2009 Christmas Parade

Hall urges all schools, churches, civic groups and military groups to sign up. Entry fees are $10 for non-profit organizations and $25 for commercial entries.

This year’s theme is “A Musical Christmas,” and lineup will begin at 5 p.m. on Broadway Street. The parade will start at 6 p.m.

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

The parade this year is part of the first-ever “Christmas in Natchez: City of Lights” celebration, which kicks off at 4 p.m. today with a turkey gumbo cook-off by the Natchez Christmas Tree on the corner of Main and Commerce Streets. The holiday festivities conclude Jan. 3.

“I hope everybody will turn out,” Hall said. “I hope everybody will get the Christmas fever and continue it until Jan. 3.”

For more information, call Hall at 601-442-4895 or e-mail radiostratton@bellsouth.net.