This year, there will not be one grand marshal of the Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade, there will be several.

The Roanoke Valley Patriots, which is organizing the December 5 event, will be honoring children, those who have life threatening illnesses and those who are in remission from the them.

“We’ve contacted (hospitals) in Chapel Hill and Greenville so they can contact the social workers and parents,” said Pat Croisetiere, one of the organizers of this year’s parade, which begins at 2 p.m. on Roanoke Avenue. “Christmas is for children and what better way to honor them. It might be something they’ll always remember.”

The children will ride on a special float, Croisetiere said this morning.

Another thing parade planners are doing this year is arranging a special parade within the parade, a Bikes on Parade event where bicycles decorated in Christmas themes will lead the event down the avenue.

Those interested must register at www.rrchristmasparade.com or call 252-578-7027.

The parade committee is also asking all North Carolina politicians to call 252-586-7258 if they would like to ride in the parade. Politicians who provide their sign can ride in cars provided by local dealerships.

Meanwhile, Croisetiere said there are about 50 entries signed up thus far. “We’re having real good response. We’ve got horses and clowns, some Shriner units and people riding tall bicycles.”

There is no fee to participate in the parade but participants must register by November 26.

Some of the parade rules for attendees include:

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department says there is a $500 fine if pets are brought to the parade.

Concealed weapons are not permitted at the parade.

Do not move cones or jump over orange cones. Roads will begin to be blocked at 1 p.m.

For your child's safety, do not allow them to run into the road to retrieve candy.