MONTEREY — All Chasity Farris wanted for Christmas this year was to give her children the same tradition of a Christmas parade in Monterey that she experienced as a child.

“I would always have to tell them, ‘Well, we used to have one when I was growing up,’” Farris, a Monterey native, said. “I put something on Facebook saying that Monterey should have a Christmas parade, and it started getting all kinds of likes and comments.”

Before she knew it, Farris had become the organizer of a Christmas parade in Monterey that hasn’t taken place in at least 20 years.

Growing up as a student at Monterey School, Farris said she distinctly remembers the parade being the talk of the town in December.

“Everyone from school, like the drill team, cheerleaders and other people would walk in the parade,” she said. “I was 12 the last time we did one, but I don’t remember why they stopped.”

Farris said the overwhelming support she received on Facebook from community members, businesses and church officials encouraged her to rekindle the old tradition of the parade.

“Really, I want to do this for my four children, because they always want to know why Monterey doesn’t have its own parade,” Farris said. “When all these other places are having parades, I just couldn’t keep telling them the same thing.

“They are very excited to have the parade.”

Nine floats have been confirmed for the parade thus far, but Farris said any others are welcome to join Saturday before the parade.

Taunton’s of Monterey is one of the businesses signed up to have a float in the parade. Collin Taunton said he was excited to hear about the idea to start the parade again.

“I think this is something that’s going to be great for our community,” Taunton said. “It’s the first year in a while, but I think it’s something that will take off and keep going through the years.”

Taunton’s float will be themed “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and will feature him standing in the top of a chimney as Santa Claus.

“I’ll be throwing candy, beads and coloring books,” Taunton said. “We’re all ready to go.”

No entrance fee or sign up is required for those wanting to participate.

Parade lineup will begin at Monterey Church of Christ on Louisiana 129. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. from the church and continue down the highway for two miles until reaching Monterey First Baptist Church.

Anyone wanting to join the parade can show up before 3 p.m.

Farris said she’s enjoyed seeing the community come together to support the parade again and hopes to continue the tradition each year from now on.

“I’m hoping this will be the new tradition again for Monterey to do during Christmas,” Farris said. “The community has really pulled together and everyone’s excited.”

For more information, call Farris at 318-730-6824.