HUNTSVILLE – The countdown is on for the 2019 Mix 96.9 and the Von Braun Center’s Huntsville Christmas Parade, presented for the fourth time by Redstone Federal Credit Union. The sixth annual parade is set for Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 6:00 p.m. with the theme of “Christmas Around the World.”

“One of the joys of Christmas is observing the many ways it is celebrated in different countries around the globe,” remarked Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.  “These traditions and influences have become part of the American fabric, especially in Huntsville. As an international City, we are excited to highlight the many cultures represented in our community in the annual Christmas parade.”

All community members, young and old, will enjoy the new addition to this year’s Christmas parade! A fireworks show presented by Redstone Gateway Office Park will mark the end of the parade..  The fireworks show is scheduled to begin around 7:15 p.m.

Registration to have a float or entry in the parade was open from September 4 through November 1.  A limited number of applicants were approved to be in the parade. To encourage high-quality entries, there will be three community judges who will judge based on different criteria including Creativity, Execution, and Theme Interpretation.

“It’s important to all of us to provide a high-quality parade for the Huntsville community,” commented WRSA Midday Host and Parade Coordinator Blair Davis.  “Registrants had to provide detailed descriptions of what they envisioned for their floats, which must be well-lit to enhance the viewers experience during the nighttime parade.”

“The judging process, limited number of parade participants and strict guidelines all work together to help ensure a magical Christmas Parade procession through Downtown Huntsville,” continued Davis.  “We hope everyone in the community comes out to enjoy the kickoff event to the Christmas season!”

This year’s official Grand Marshal is the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee co-champ, Erin Howard.

“I am so honored to have been chosen as the Grand Marshal of this year’s Huntsville Christmas Parade,” said Erin. “I really enjoyed watching the parade when I was younger, so I am very excited to now be a part of it.”

Also new this year, is the updated parade route. The Huntsville Christmas Parade will begin on Clinton Avenue near the U.S. Post Office at 6:00 p.m., it will progress east on Clinton making a right onto Church Street taking the parade between Tinsel Trail and Skating in the Park. It will then make a left turn onto Williams Avenue and an immediate left onto Fountain Circle, where it will again turn left onto the downtown square.  The parade will make its final turn going left onto Holmes Avenue.

For more information about the 2019 Huntsville Christmas Parade and to stay up-to-date on parade announcements that will be released leading up to the event, follow @HSVChristmasParade on Facebook.