A new Christmas tradition will begin in Opp this holiday season – a Saturday Christmas parade.

“This year we are trying something new for the Christmas parade and Downtown Christmas,” said Emilee Gage of the Opp Chamber of Commerce. “We are merging the two into one.”

Both the parade and Downtown Christmas will be on Sat., Dec. 1.

“This will help promote shopping and dining in Opp,” Gage said.

Downtown Christmas will begin at 10 a.m.

“There will be singing and the joy of shopping Opp,” she said. “After the parade, people can enjoy choir singing and shopping. We also plan to have a Christmas costume contest and prize drawings.”

The parade will begin at 11 a.m., but for parade participants, line-up is slated at Channell-Lee Stadium at 9 a.m.

The downtown fun will continue until 2 p.m.

“Our fun-filled day is to help encourage people to shop Opp, dine Opp and promote Opp,” Gage said.

Additionally, the Chamber is sponsoring a Christmas pageant, set for Sat., Nov. 17, at 6 p.m.

Grades kindergarten through 12th grade may participate. Entry fee is $25, and applications are available at local schools, businesses and the chamber.

Fore more info, call Gage at 493-3070.