The annual Brookhaven Christmas Parade isalmost here, and at least one Brookhaven resident will watch theChristmas ritual from a new seat this year.

    The parade rolls Thursday at 7 p.m. and Rita Rich will take thefront spot as this year’s grand marshal in honor of her nearly 20years of service as parade committee chairman.

    “It’s an honor, it really is,” Rich said of being named grandmarshal.

    Rich’s community involvement includes the presidency of the LincolnCounty Historical and Genealogical Society.

    Rich will lead the parade followed by this year’s Miss MerryChristmas Jordan Henning. The parade will weave its way throughdowntown along its traditional path.

    In an addition to the parade lineup, the Jackson State Universitymarching band, the “Sonic Boom of the South,” will return to theparade after about three years since their last appearance.

    McNair Smith, a member of the local JSU alumni association, workedto bring JSU to the parade this year.

    “Anytime we can bring the Jackson State band, or a good qualityband, it makes Brookhaven one of the best parades in the state,”Smith said. “I wanted people in Brookhaven to see one of the bestbands in the land perform.”

    Brookhaven had some competition. According to Smith, eight or nineother communities were vying for JSU’s presence on the night of theparade.

    The full band of approximately 280 members won’t be in town. Smithsaid about 180 will travel to Brookhaven for the Christmasfestivities.

    Bands from Provine High School in Jackson, Copiah-Lincoln CommunityCollege, Brookhaven High School and Loyd Star Attendance Centerwill join JSU in the parade lineup.

    Immediately following the parade, JSU will perform on the BHSfootball field. There is an entry fee of $3.

    Cliff Brumfield, chamber of commerce executive vice president, saidabout 5,000 people watched the parade last year and JSU’s presenceshould drive the numbers up.

    “A lot of alumni from around the area will come out to see them,”Brumfield said.

    Weather reports call for clear skies, which is a relief toRich.

    “I have prayed so long that it wouldn’t rain because when it rainsit ruins everything,” Rich said.

    The air will be chilly, though. That night will see a predicted lowof 31 degrees, but by the time the parade begins temperatures willprobably be in the mid 40s.

    “Everyone will need to bundle up,” said Celine Craig, co-chairmanof the parade planning committee this year, along with GeorgeLaird.

    The streets close at 5 p.m. for the parade, with the county’s firebrigade rolling out 6:45 and the parade following at 7.

    So far there are a little more than 100 individual paradeparticipants, including cars, motorcycle and dance groups. As ofTuesday, 23 floats are registered for the parade to be judged,according to the chamber of commerce.

    “Doesn’t look like it’s above average,” said Kay Burton, chamberprogram director. “It gets a little more expensive when they do afloat.”

    One criteria floats will be judged by is utilization of the theme,which this year is “A Story Book Christmas.” There will be plentyof room for variety, though.

    “It’s up to interpretation as to the theme,” Brumfield said.

    Burton said the theme was chosen as another means to honor Rich,who spent a little more than 41 years working in education as ateacher and principal.

    Rich’s retirement from parade planning comes after 19 years asparade committee chair. After all that time, though, she willfinally see some new sights and sounds.

    “Everything is going to be a new experience for me this year,” Richsaid. “I’ve never been able to enjoy any of the festivities that wehave along with the parade.”