Christmas is right around the corner, and so are the annual Christmas parades for the City of Luverne and the Town of Brantley.

Luverne's Annual Chamber Christmas Parade is set for this Saturday, Dec. 2, beginning at 11 a.m. According to Sherri Richburg, Executive Director of the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce, those participating in the parade should begin to line up at 10 a.m. at the &#8220Old Armory.”

This year's Grand Marshal of the parade is the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce's 2005 Citizen of the Year, Mike Jones.

The parade will travel to Hwy. 331 east to South Forest Ave., turn at the red light on 6th Street and head back to the armory.

Richburg said that there would be cars and trucks, bands, floats, emergency vehicles and plenty of motorcycle riders for spectators to enjoy.

There is no entry fee for parade participants, but all entries must bring an unwrapped toy, which will be donated to the Department of Human Resources.

&#8220There will be toy boxes set up along South Forest Avenue in the front of The Luverne Journal office and at Welch's Tire so people can donate toys,” Richburg said.

Among the highlights of this year's Christmas parade will be the 117th National Guard Field Artillery Unit, who will be marching in the parade.

Anyone who is not already signed up to participate in the parade should contact Richburg at 335-3820.

&#8220This is also a great time for people to do some Christmas shopping in town before and after the parade, so it should help get everyone in the holiday spirit,” she added.

And, to continue in the Christmas spirit, attend Brantley's

&#8220Front Porch Christmas” this Saturday, Dec. 2, which begins at 4 p.m. on Main Street.

The Christmas parade will start at Brantley High School and end at the Municipal Complex. There will also be a tree lighting ceremony, a fireworks display, and a special dedication ceremony of the Municipal Complex.

Special entertainment will be provided by Landon Morgan, so everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the evening's festivities.