Though the frost isn’t even yet on the pumpkin, organizers of the 2013 Covington Lions Club Holiday Parade are already making a list and checking it twice.

That’s because there are changes in format, route and rules for this year’s parade, said John Braden, Lions Club parade chairman.

This year’s theme is "Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child,’’ and the parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. (a new start time) Dec. 7. The parade will be strictly limited this year to 100 entries, Braden said, and there are already "56 or some odd entries. So there are only 44 (slots) left.’’

Also, there is no paper application. Only online registration is available at www.covingtongalions.org. The deadline for applications is Nov. 25; there will be no exceptions, Braden stressed. Entries will be cut off when the 100-entrant limit is reached or on that date, whichever comes first.

The changes are being made to make the parade "a little bit smaller,’’ Braden said, to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. The logistics involved at the front and back ends of such a popular community event made the changes necessary, he said.

The route has been altered so that the parade actually will move through the square twice.
  The lineup will be on Newton Drive. From there, the parade will move west on Newton Drive, left on Anderson Street, right on Floyd/Clark Street through the square, left on Lee Street, left on Washington/College Street back through the square, and end at East Street.

The lineup will be based on arrival of participants.  To be judged, entries must be lined up and ready by 9 a.m. Dec. 7.

All entries must be in the parade’s lineup by 10 a.m.

The Best All-Around Trophy will be awarded based on holiday spirit, theme, creativity and construction.

First and second-place ribbons will be awarded in the following categories: elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, churches, civic groups and businesses.

Horse awards will be: Best Tack, Best Rider Costume, Best Group, Best Groomed and Best in Sportsmanship and Conduct.