The Covington Lion’s Club and Main Street Covington is calling all groups who want to participate in the 2009 Covington/Newton Hometown Christmas Parade.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 5. All entries must be postmarked by Dec. 1.

Floats, bikes or walkers are welcome in the parade.

A trophy will be given for the best all-around float. Holiday spirit, theme, creativity and construction will be factors in judging for the best all-around award. The theme for this year’s parade is "A Hometown Holiday Celebration." The best all-around trophy will be awarded as the float arrives at the reviewing stand at the Newton County Historic Courthouse.

First and second place awards will be given for best high school, middle school, elementary school and daycare. Other first and second place awards will be given for churches, civic clubs, Scout troops, businesses and family entries. Horses can compete in the best tack, rider dress and best group categories.

Parade participants must be lined up at 9:30 a.m. The parade will move west down Newton Drive to Anderson and then Floyd streets. It will continue west on Floyd, around the Covington square on Clark Street and turn left on Lee Street, then left on Washington and east toward East Street. Walkers will then turn left on East and proceed toward Floyd off the road. Floats, vehicles and horses will turn right on East toward 1st Street and turn left on Mill Street, cross Floyd and return to Newton Drive.

When the Lions began organizing the parade four years ago, it had 65 entries. Last year the parade had approximately 150 entries.

Music will be provided by the three Newton County high school marching bands, along with the U.S. Army Quintet playing on the Square before the parade begins.

A list of rules and regulations may be found at www.covnews.com.