Big smiles on little faces. That’s the theme of this year’s Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade, which is being sponsored by Widow’s Son Masonic Lodge 519.

Its organizers not only want to bring smiles, they want to return to the meaning of Christmas, said Mike Reaves. “We want to put Christ back as a theme for the parade.

There will be a live nativity scene with live camels,” he said at a press conference Friday.

“There’s a lot of feeling this should be a time to celebrate Christ’s birthday,” Reaves said. “We feel like this is the true focal point.”

The parade will about Christmas, Reaves said. Bands will be held to playing Christmas music. “All the event is going to be to celebrate Christmas. I think we as a nation have gotten away from that,” he said. “The (lodge) brothers feel Christmas needs to come back to its religious roots.”

The Christmas parade begins Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and the lineup is between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Entries are free this year and the only thing the parade committee is charging for is professional floats, which cost $525. A book with pictures of the floats can be viewed by calling 252-578-7026.

Reaves said the parade committee decided not to charge. “We’re trying to do it without charging. We don’t think bands should be charged for being in the parade.”

The parade committee is seeking donations and more information can be obtained by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Mayor D.N. Beale said the city will discuss making a donation to the parade. “This is a big undertaking. We feel like the city should be involved in it monetarily.”

Also different from past parades is that judges will be scattered throughout the parade route, although there will be a review stand at the library. “We’re hoping to have a Christmas village there,” Reaves said.

Prizes will be given for the three best bands, best nativity scene, best nonprofessional float and best ROTC unit. There will also be an award for best civic group.

This year the parade also has a website — www.rrchristmasparade.com — where entries can be registered online or entry forms can be downloaded.

One of the most important events for the parade will be an Oct. 16 fish dinner at Becker Village Mall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Pre-sales are important,” Reaves said.

More information on the dinner and parade can be obtained by calling Jett Thomas at 252-578-7026.