Lookout Valley Christmas Parade rings in the season Dec. 10

Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association past presidents riding atop a float with Santa Claus will lead the pack in the 21st annual Lookout Valley Christmas Parade Dec. 10 that starts at noon.

No entry fee is required. Parade lineup begins at 11 a.m. at Lookout Valley Elementary School, located at 701 Browns Ferry Road.

photo Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association invites the public to attend the community's annual Christmas parade followed by a special party inside John A. Patten Recreation Center's auditorium. Volunteers and staff of the center are decking the halls for the event. From left are athletic specialist Tony Taylor, volunteer Matthew Campbell, recreation specialist Toni Williams, Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association past president Joe Manning and LVNA executive board member Jim Long.

LVNA president-elect Joe Manning said the parade spans three miles, marching from the school two miles down Browns Ferry Road before turning right onto Cummings Highway and continuing to the Lookout Valley Walmart.

"We accept walkers, bikers, horseback riders, four-wheelers and lawnmowers in the parade," he said, adding that people should decorate their mode of transportation with Christmas décor. "We ask them to wear something Christmas related."

He said some residents drive their antique cars with Christmas lights or wreaths hanging from the vehicles.

In years past Manning said he worked behind the scenes preparing the afterparty at John A. Patten Recreation Center, but this year he is happy to be able to participate in the parade as one of the grand marshals.

After the parade, trophies will be awards for first, second and third place floats. People can mingle in the center's auditorium for hot dogs, Coca-Cola and Moon Pies. Santa Claus will be available for photos and children's activities will take place in the center's gym. Door prizes will be awarded.

"We do this to give back to the community," said Manning. "People [at the party] can check out what goes on at John A. Patten Recreation Center as they tour the pottery, gymnastics, ballet and art classrooms."

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