The 2008 Summerville Christmas Parade will take place on Sunday, December 14 and will begin at approximately 2 p.m. The parade had over 3,000 actual participants and attracted between 15-20,000 spectators last year making it one of the largest parades in the state of South Carolina. This parade is hosted by the Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management) and the Summerville Fire Department.

This year’s theme is “A Main Street Christmas.” All community members are encouraged to promote their organization or business and holiday spirit by participating in the parade. Participants can enter a decorated float, have employees wear a holiday costume and distribute candy or come up with their own creative entry. All parade entries will be judged by adherence to theme, originality/creativity/overall effort and visibility. Only entries decorated in the holiday spirit will be allowed in the parade. Prizes will be awarded to the top entrant for Best Adherence to Theme, Most Creative, Most Original and Best Overall.

Entry fees are $35 for a school or church group, $50 for non-profit or civic organization and $100 for a business (DREAM business members $50). There is also an option to contract a commercial float with driver and signage for $500. Commercial floats are “first come, first serve.” Registration forms must be received no later than Monday, November 17, 2008 at 5 p.m.

To receive a 2008 Summerville Christmas Parade registration packet, to contract a commercial float or for further information, please call the Summerville D.R.E.A.M. office at 821-7260 or Jack Pratt at 308-3399.