Plans have been set and the last reminder from organizers of this year’s Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade is to bundle up.

As of this morning, the forecast does call for a chance of snow and temperatures around 46 degrees for the parade that begins at 2 p.m. in the 1300 block of Roanoke Avenue and ends at the 100 block.

“We’re doing pretty well,” said Pat Croisetiere, of the Roanoke Valley Patriots, which has organized this year’s musical Christmas parade. There will be around 150 entries.

That planning for the parade began in October after it was announced in September Widows Son Lodge would not be sponsoring the parade this year did present challenges, Croisetiere said Friday. “It’s so much easier to start earlier because bands are booked. You really have to get started in the middle of the year.”

However, there will be what she described as several surprises during this year’s parade, including a march of several well known popular cartoon characters down the avenue through a last minute donation of high quality costumes.

Eleven children who have life threatening illnesses have been chosen as this year’s grand marshals and will ride a float which will also honor the late Dylan Moore, who will be honored with a 40 by 40 photo on a Jack in the box float carrying the other children.

Along the avenue there will face painting and vendors and there will be a few clowns strolling along the parade route.

Only Christmas music is supposed to play from the floats and cars and the bands which will perform.

For Croisetiere, planning the event has been worthwhile. “It’s been interesting. I’ve met an awful lot of nice people.”

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. Parking will be allowed on the side of the avenue in residential sections.

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