SANTEE -- The excitement and anticipation is building as preparations continue for the Santee Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 14.

The theme of this year's procession, which gets under way at 4 p.m., is "Sounds of the Season."

Each year, crowds of children and adults line the sidewalks of Bass Drive to view the floats, trucks and cars and participate in the festivities following the parade.

Parade lineup will begin at 3 p.m. at Quality Inn and Suites, and the parade will travel down Bass Drive to the Santee Town Hall Complex. The grand marshal of this year's parade is Sen. John Matthews Jr. A highlight of the parade is the appearance of Santa Claus, who rides atop a Santee Fire Service District truck.

Immediately following the parade, the town's Christmas tree will be lit, Christmas carols will be sung and the luminary lighting ceremony conducted. Luminaries, in memory of a loved one or in honor of a loved one, can be purchased at Santee Town Hall for $5 each. The children can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the town hall as they join participants for refreshments and entertainment.

"Everyone is welcome to participate in Santee's Christmas Parade," Mayor Silas Seabrooks said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to kick off the holiday season with community fellowship and fun."

For more information or to purchase luminaries, call 803-854-2152.

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T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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