Wonderful entertainment will begin the Lion’s Club Christmas Parade festivities at 10 a.m. Saturday at the stage in front of the Historic Newton County Courthouse. Entertainment will continue until the first float arrives on the square around 11:10 a.m. Some Covington IDOL winners and the three Newton County high school marching bands will perform.

The first float will start the 1.2 mile trek at the corner of Floyd and Anderson, proceeding west to the Chamber of Commerce Tourist Center, over to Washington Street and back through the square to East Street.

There were 150 floats in last year’s parade and Lion Doreen Stallworth said she anticipates that many this year — an array of floats by churches, businesses, schools, clubs, scouts, neighborhoods, military and many more decorated with a Christmas theme.

Some of the themes already submitted are "The Brownie Story," "Girl Scouts Make New Friends," a 1966 Fire Truck with Veggie Tales characters, Santa and the Elves, and the manger scene — to name a few.

Melanie Sheets, NCSS Teacher of the Year, is the Parade Grand Marshall. The Dukes of Hazzard Covington Fan Club will have four cars in the Parade — including one with Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. Horses will have five different categories this year with a pro-judge.

This year the Lions added a limitation on the number of vehicles an entry may have — if you are entering a float, only one other vehicle and/or walkers may be included.

Awards will be given for the best entry in the following categories: schools, churches, clubs, scouts, businesses and individuals. Entry forms are available at MainStreet Covington at The Center, Ludie’s Sporting Goods, Mayfield ACE Hardware, Touch of Country, Chamber of Commerce Tourist Bureau and from any Lion.

The Lions will have a table on the Square collecting unused eyeglasses, hearing aids and cell phones. They will also welcome donations to the Lighthouse for the Blind.

Main Street Covington also sponsors this event.