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The 2023 Greater Valley Area Christmas Parade will be happening on Dec. 7 starting at 6 p.m. ET. The parade starts at W 10th St and 3rd Ave in West Point and goes through Lanett, ending at the Walmart Superstore in Valley.

Each of the police forces in the participating cities of Valley, Lanett, and West Point, will block off their roads for the parade. The route will go from 3rd Ave in West Point across the Alabama state line and along S Gilmer Ave in Lanett. Turning onto Broad St it will cross over I-85 into Valley ending in the Walmart parking lot. With the route being so long, spectators can easily find a spot to watch the floats go by.

Parade organizers unanimously voted Valerie Grey, the former Director of the Chambers County Development Authority, as the parade’s grand marshal. Gray retired from the CCDA last summer, after 25 years in charge. 

“Obviously it’s an honor, and I’m pretty grateful that anybody would consider nominating me,” Gray said.

Floats will line up and take off from the Cherry Valley Shopping Center in Lanett. Last year the parade saw around 80 floats from various schools, businesses, community organizations and churches. Santa Claus will be making another appearance this year as the final float in the line-up. 

There are prizes awarded to the best and most creative floats. A panel of judges awards first through third place in three categories: school, business and community. 

Laurie Blount, the Director of the Valley Community Center and organizer of the parade, said they hope to have another large parade this year. With the parade coming earlier than in previous years, she hasn’t seen many applications yet. The Valley Recreation and Parks Department is still taking applications to enter a float or vehicle in this year’s parade.

There is a $30 or $35 registration fee, in check or cash, plus five canned goods. Individuals or groups can email Blount at lblount@cityofvalley.com for a registration form. There will also be forms available at the three participating city halls or the Valley Community Center.