Annual Yule Parade is tomorrow night

The 85-unit strong Cairo Christmas Parade will step off tomorrow night, Dec. 2, 2010, at 7 p.m.
The annual parade is sponsored each year by the Cairo Merchants Association and the Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber officials strongly advise parade participants that no candy or other items should be thrown from moving vehicles.
“We cannot allow candy or other material to be thrown from moving vehicles because it creates a safety issue. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation,” Chamber Executive Vice President Jennifer Majors said.
City of Cairo officials are also putting out additional trash receptacles in hopes of eliminating the littering problems that occur during and after the parade.
“The city is making an extra effort to put out additional trash cans, and we hope that everyone will put their trash in the trash cans and will not throw it on the sidewalks and streets,” Mrs. Majors said.
City and chamber officials also remind citizens that no parking will be allowed on Broad Street in the central business district after 5 p.m.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Season GREENings” to go along with the national movement to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
Adding to the gaiety of the parade will be five bands  including the Pelham High School Band, the Washington Middle School Band, the Whigham School Band, the Shiver School Band and the Cairo High School Marching Syrupmaker Band.
Other entries will include: NJROTC, WMS Cheerleaders, WMS Teacher of the Year, Legacy Twirling Academy, Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Community Service Award winner, Community Impact Award winner, Young Professional of the Year, Grady County Teacher of the Year, Grady County Farm Family of the Year, City of Cairo Mayor and Council, Grady County Board of Commissioners, Rep. Gene Maddox, Congressman Sanford Bishop, Decatur-Grady Head Start, Auntie Ann’s Daycare, Wayne Hadden, Northside Elementary School, Gilliard’s Store, Cairo Kiwanis Club, U.S. Post Office, Girl Scout Troop No. 559, Pine Level Baptist Church, City of Whigham Fire Department, Whigham School Pageant winners, Whigham School, United National Bank, South Georgia Tractor Company, Grady County Volunteer Fire Dept., Myrtice Joy, Cairo Housing Authority Dance Troop and Girl Scout Troop #450, Lil Whispers Pony Park, Georgia Fit Club, Tim Gurley, Sailfish Boats, The Firm Dance Company, Miss Peachtree winners of Bainbridge, Shiver Builders Club, Cairo Realty Company, Paramore Preschool, Piggly Wiggly, SWGA Technical College, County Line VFD, Greater New Corinth Church, Standing Ovations Dancewear, Grady County Saddle Club, Faith Christian Center, Eastside School, Astro Pest Control, Aaron’s Sales & Lease, Royce’s Towing & Recovery, Tangles Hair Salon, Redeeming Life Fellowship Church, Southside School, SyrupCity Smashers, Grady County Special Olympics, Thomas County Wolfpack, Boys & Girls Club, Climax Fire Department, Grady County Baptist WMU, Grady County Forestry, Emily’s Personal Care Home, South Georgia Ballet, F.U.L.L.Y., Our Fathers House Church, Caribbean Breeze, Cairo Gym & Cheer Academy, Koyo, Cairo High Cheerleaders, and the Cairo Fire Department, which will escort Santa Claus through downtown.
Entries must be in place at 6 p.m. Each will be judged and could win one of the cash prizes awarded to the Christmas Spirit Award winner and runner-up and the first place winners in the divisional categories.