With just a little over two weeks left before the 2002 Macon County - Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, last minute details are being worked out.

Last year's parade was the largest ever and organizers would like to see this year's become even bigger.

The deadline to enter the parade is the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 29.

Organizers encourage participants to get their parade entry registered as soon as possible.

Christmas Parade committee members selected Santa's Workshop as the theme for this year's parade. The Grand Marshal for the 2002 Macon County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will be Jerry Qualls.

The date for this year's Christmas Parade has been set for Saturday, December 7, 2002.

The parade will begin at 1 p.m., with all judging in the various categories to be completed before the start of the parade.

A few changes have been made to the rules and regulations for this year's parade.

Candy or other acceptable items can be handed out by parade entries only if the entry has individuals walking beside their float to make sure that youngsters are not in danger as they rush to collect the candy.

All 4-wheeler entries in the parade MUST be decorated for Christmas. In addition, riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

All horses and riders in the parade MUST be decorated to reflect the holiday or to reflect the theme.

The 4-wheelers and the horses will be led by designated entries. If entries pass the first 4-wheeler or the first horse in the group, then they will be asked to leave the parade line-up and will not be allowed to participate in next year's event.

In addition, no alcoholic beverage will be allowed at the parade. Any participant in the parade who is drinking alcohol or who is believed to have been drinking before or during the parade, will be asked to leave the parade line-up and may be arrested.

A full list of rules and regulations for the Parade can be found on the Parade registration form.

For more information about the 2002 Christmas Parade, contact Lona Vinson at the Macon County Chamber of Commerce at 666-5885; Leanne Whittemore at 666-9614; Wanda Carr at 666-3800; or Tammy Marlow at 666-3290.

Entry forms will appear in upcoming editions of the paper. These should be completed and submitted to the individuals listed on the form or you may enter by calling any of the people listed above.