Marching bands, festive floats and the jolly old fat man himself will all be part of this morning's annual Christmas Parade, mounted by the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event kicks off at 10:30 a.m. and will proceed east down Commerce Street from the hilltop to the courthouse.

According to Annie Glenn Branum of the GACOC, some 45 entries will be part of today's parade, with the holiday theme of &#8220Santa's Workshop.” Prizes will be given to the best-decorated entries.

&#8220We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a great parade,” Branum said.

Throughout the morning, folks can enjoy food and festivities in Confederate Park during Main Street's &#8220Christmas in the Park.”

From 8:30 a.m. ‘til noon, The Greater Greenville Service League will be offering hot chocolate and snacks for sale in the park, along with taste-tempting baked holiday treats perfect to take home and enjoy, or share with friends and co-workers.

Children of all ages can get a photo taken with Santa, at a charge of just $5 for two photos.

Proceeds will go to the group's various service projects in the community, among them the Miss Greater Greenville Scholarship Program.

&#8220As always, we will continue our Main Street tradition and offer a free children's Christmas craft activity in that park that morning,” Main Street Director Nancy Idland said.

Idland encourages everyone who comes downtown for the park festivities and the parade to be sure and check out the &#8220beautiful” decorations put up by the city crews.

&#8220The city really does a phenomenal job with the lights, wreaths, trees and all the decorations each holiday season. It makes our city look so festive.”

With a cool day in the forecast, Idland offers this advice: &#8220Dress warm and plan to have a ‘cool Yule' in downtown Greenville today.”