Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Manning said the 2 p.m. parade down Roanoke Avenue will have between 75 to 80 entries this year and will honor Kathleen Robinson as grand marshal.

Also Thursday:
• The annual Weldon Christmas parade steps off at 6 p.m. on Washington Avenue.
• The town of Halifax will light the Christmas tree at Mural Park on King Street. The festivities are from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event includes carolers, hot beverages and snacks. Santa will help light the tree and will listen to wish lists at The Hen and the Hog afterward.

City tree lighting

The city tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments served at Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street.
The Roanoke Rapids High School Chorus will sing Christmas carols outside and the tree will be lit by James Goble at 6:30 p.m.

Parade

Manning said the city chose Robinson as grand marshal for the work she has done in the community. “It’s because of her being active in the community and giving back, trying to make Roanoke Rapids a better place.”
Robinson will ride the parade route in a professional float sponsored by G.W. Hux Insurance and Angel’s Closet.
Meanwhile, Manning said the parade will also honor military veterans of the 1940s and 50s with four train cars and a float.

(The parade will be held rain or shine. More information on the parade may be found by following this link to the website created by the Computer Guy & Company of Roanoke Rapids)

Shriners will be represented through their Buccaneer ship, prowler minicars and clowns.
The Roanoke Rapids High School and Chaloner Middle School bands will serve as host band and the North Edgecombe High School band will perform. The Elizabeth City State University band will also march and perform.
Four car and truck clubs will be represented as well as five fire and rescue units. There will also be church and business floats, the JROTC, Halifax Resolves Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution, which will serve as color guard, the state Highway Patrol, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Roanoke Rapids Police Department.
“We’re looking forward to offering a fun, festive afternoon to help kick-off the Christmas season,” Manning said.
Police Chief Chuck Hasty said people in the uptown and downtown business districts should have their cars off the avenue by 1:30 p.m. No pets, alcohol or weapons are allowed. “We’re asking people to respect the rights of others and not park on private property unless you have permission.”