Ideas are starting to come together as businesses, civicorganizations, churches and other groups prepare their entries forthe annual Christmas parade.

Applications are now being accepted at the Brookhaven/LincolnCounty Chamber of Commerce for those wishing to participate in theparade, which will roll through downtown Brookhaven at 7 p.m. onDec. 5.

“We will start off with the fire brigade at 6:45 p.m., followedby our grand marshal and Miss Merry Christmas,” said paradechairman Rita Rich.

The grand marshal this year will be Tom Moak, who has beeninvolved in numerous Brookhaven activities.

“He’s a local business man as well as a civic and religiousleader,” said Rich. “He’s worked to help Brookhaven develop in manyways.”

Moak has served as president of the Chamber of Commerce board ofdirectors. He has always been involved in promoting Brookhaventhrough his well-known walking tours through the downtown area.

“When we have the tour of homes, he conducts the walking tour.When we have a special group in town, all we have to do is call himand he’ll give a walking tour,” said Rich.

Moak will be joined at the head of the parade by Loyd StarAttendance Center senior Megan Russell, who was chosen as MissMerry Christmas last month.

She will also help to bring the Christmas spirit to the area atseveral open houses planned for Brookhaven businesses Saturday.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Holiday Songs.” Rich looksforward to seeing how floats will show the holiday spirit.

“We’re so appreciative of the people who work so hard on floatsfor the parade,” she said. “That really adds to thefestivities.”

Awards will be given to those who use creativity in theirentries. Categories include religious, school, general, smallbusiness and overall. Floats will be judged for most beautiful,best depiction of theme, most festive and most original in eachcategory.

She expects a large turnout and high number of floats, bands,singing groups and other participants.

“I think (TV personality) Walt Grayson said it best when he saidthe people who weren’t watching the parade were in it,” saidRich.

Some of the participants will be county and city officialsriding in the parade.

“Of course, Santa will be there with his elves, too,” saidRich.

The parade will be rounded out by a group of horses and theriders from all over the area.

Activities before the parade include a group of singersperforming in front of the chamber building on WhitworthAvenue.