By Pamela Dodson
Staff Reporter

pdodson@thepccourier.com

COUNTY — The Christmas season will soon get officially underway with parades planned in municipalities around the county.

Central will hold their annual Christmas parade Dec. 3 beginning at 1:30 p.m. rain or shine. Registration is open until the day of the parade, with no entry fees. For more information, contact the Central Fire Department.

The city of Clemson’s Christmas parade will be held Dec. 6, beginning at 6 p.m. The route will be down College Avenue. This year’s theme is “A Story book Christmas” Rain date is set for Dec. 8. A pre-parade show begins at 5 p.m. and includes hot chocolate, caroling and lighting of the city Christmas tree. For more information, contact Lindsey Watley (864) 624-1120 ext. 16002.

Dacusville’s annual Christmas parade will be held Dec. 10 beginning at 2 p.m. The rain date is set for Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. This year’s theme is “Christmas in the Country.” Entry forms can be picked up at the Dacusville Country Store or the Dacusville Farmers Market. Forms and $15 entry fee can be submitted at the Dacusville tree lighting ceremony Dec. 9 before 6 p.m. Entry fee will increase to $20 on the day of the parade. Dacusville is also proud to have the Class 3A State Championship Pickens High School Marching Band as part of the lineup.

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce will host Easley’s annual Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. in downtown Easley. This year’s event is sponsored by Hendrick Honda of Easley.

Parade entry applications are currently being accepted at the Easley Chamber office, located at 2001 E. Main St., Easley, or by mail to P.O. Box 241, Easley, SC 29641 The entry fee is $25, and the entry deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. Immediately following the Christmas Parade of Lights, officials invite everyone to remain in downtown Easley to enjoy the Grand Illumination festivities. The festivities take place at City Hall and will include caroling, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and an official visit from Santa. For questions or more details, call the chamber office at (864) 859-2693.

The city of Liberty will begin their annual Christmas parade of Lights at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3. This year’s theme is “Light My Liberty,” and participants are encouraged to decorate their floats in bright, festive decor to light up the night-time event. The official tree lighting ceremony will take place downtown at Pedestrian Park immediately following the parade, featuring refreshments and free pictures with Santa.

The city of Pickens will hold its Christmas parade Dec. 9 beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Doodle Express.” Deadline for entry is 5 p.m. Dec. 6. Fees are as follows: nonprofit organizations $10, for an individual or business/commercial entry $20, and there is no charge for bands or dignitaries. For more information, call city hall at 878-6421, email dowens@pickenscity.com or download entry forms by visiting cityofpickens.com.

The town of Six Mile will hold its annual Christmas parade Dec. 3 beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a rain date of Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. All entries are free and must have a holiday theme. No four-wheelers or go-carts will be allowed in the parade. Only walking participants can give candy. For more information, call Diane Bowen at 637-9090, Tom Garrett at 868-2871, Amy and Scott Goodin at 506-0340, or Kayla Seaborn at 650-3318.