With the temperature Sunday expected to be around 60, weather should not be a factor for the annual Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade.

Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said there is a slight chance of rain for the 2 p.m. event, which has 85 entries. “It should be a pleasant day for a Christmas parade.”

The 85 entries include businesses, private citizens, churches, public entities and car associations.

The Roanoke Rapids High School and Chaloner Middle Schools bands will perform. Simeon said more bands were sought. “When we talked with other bands their budgets were slashed so bad traveling for the event was no longer feasible. We sent letters and followed with letters and reached out to Rocky Mount.”

The parade, however, will not be at a loss for performers. Four Shrine units — Monster Trucks, Hillbillies, Tom Cats and clowns — will march and Simeon is currently negotiating with another Shrine club for a fifth unit.

There will be two professional floats, one for parade sponsor Citizens Community Bank and one carrying Grand Marshall Gilbert Portela and area children.

“Gilbert has given countless hours to our community,” Simeon said. “He volunteers time coaching and is a liaison to the Hispanic community. His volunteer work with Angel’s Closet helps thousands each year.”

Selecting Portela as grand marshall, Simeon said, “Is an opportunity for the whole community and city to say, ‘thank you,’ and tell how much we appreciate him for all his efforts.”

The short time the city had to prepare for the parade was stressful, Simeon said, but outward appearances would make it appear it has gone seamlessly. “Anybody asked to do anything has gone above and beyond to help. We only had two months but I was confident with the staff and the previous experience we had that we could put together a great parade.”

All churches along the Roanoke Avenue parade route have agreed to provide Christmas music whether live or recorded. “We’re very strict this year that any float be playing traditional Christmas music.”

The big thanks goes to Citizens Community Bank. “Without CCB coming forward, we wouldn’t have a Christmas parade. Yvonne Thompson has been great to work with and very supportive. They have asked for first rights of refusal for future parades.”

Meanwhile, Major Tommy Hathaway of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said parade-goers should be mindful not to bring pets or park on the avenue. Traffic will be diverted onto Hamilton and Jackson streets.