The Court Square area will be closed to traffic Thursday night as the Andalusia Police Department establishes a safety perimeter for three events: an Andalusia Bulldog pep rally, the official Christmas tree lighting, and the Christmas parade.

The pep rally, the weekly rally in which the community cheers the Andalusia High School Bulldogs during AHSAA playoffs, begins at 5:15 this week instead of 6. The ‘Dogs will take on UMS-Wright Friday night in the semi-finals.

“We will close traffic incoming to the Square at 4:45 p.m.,” Assistant Police Chief Paul Dean said. “The only traffic on the Square will be outbound after 4:45 p.m.”

That means the APD will block traffic from DigiPrint to the Square on East Three Notch, and from the fire department to the Square on Church Street. Other entrances to the Square will be blocked, as well.

Those leaving work in the Square area will be allowed to leave between 4:45 p.m. and time for the Bulldog Pep Rally to start at 5:15 p.m., Dean said.

Immediately following the pep rally, the city’s Tourism and Relocation Committee will host the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6.

Students in the city’s A.P.P.L.E. program will sing at 6, and the tree lighting is set for 6:30 p.m.

Dean recommended that anyone who is attending the pep rally, but has a traditional spot for parade watching, should park there before the pep rally begins, as the APD will close off more streets promptly at 6:30 p.m.

“East Three Notch will be closed at Hwy. 55 at 6:30 for the parade,” he said. “And we will close Church Street at the River Falls Street intersection at that time.”

The annual Christmas parade will roll from Andalusia High School at 7 p.m., and Chamber of Commerce Assistant Director Maggie Jones said there are at least 120 entries in this year’s event.