Florence Main Street Presents the 2016 Florence Christmas Parade

‘Have a Holly Jolly Christmas’ with the Florence Christmas Parade on Court Street in Downtown Florence. Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays and to ‘Have a Holly Jolly Christmas’ (this year’s theme) than to attend the Florence Christmas parade! You are encouraged to theme your float, performance or musical group in costume, decoration or musical selection. Get creative & have some fun!Florence Main Street is once again responsible for coordinating the Florence Christmas Parade and as always, there are rules to be followed. These rules and regulations are to improve safety (following state laws and city ordinances) and provide increased enjoyment for participants and spectators.VERY IMPORTANT…The Parade route will follow Court Street from the north end at Rogers Hall on the UNA campus to the southern end at Alabama Street. Parade line up will begin at 6 pm on Pine Street between Irvine and Cumberland Streets. Your exact time for line up will be determined by your placement in the parade. That information will be sent to you the week before the parade.Please remember with the Parade line up being on Pine Street and ending on South Court Street at Alabama Street to arrange your drop off and pick up locations to match those areas.The following are the guidelines set forth for the 2016 Florence Christmas Parade:There will be awards for Best Decorated Float (Commercial & Non-Profit), Best Band and Best Performance Group.Each entry is limited to four (4) units. For example, the XYZ club will be allowed four cars in their entry.Entries MUST be decorated or dressed to reflect the theme of the parade:‘Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!’;No un-decorated vehicles will be allowed! There’s nothing more boring than watching a bunch of cars driving down the road!Santa is a special guest and has his own float. No Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus impersonators allowed in or on any parade entry.Motorcyclists are required by Alabama state law to wear helmets at all times. Motorcycles which are not designed and licensed for public streets will not be allowed to participate in the parade.Alabama state law prohibits ATVs from public streets; therefore, ATVs are not permitted in the parade.Vehicles not allowed on public streets, according to Alabama state law or City of Florence ordinance will not be allowed to participate in the parade.Participation is contingent on Police Department approval.Horse units will not be allowed. Other animals allowed only with permission from Florence Main Street. All animals must be cleaned up after by the group bringing them.Wednesday, November 30 is the deadline for return of entry forms and fees.This is stated on the entry form and will be strictly enforced. Any late entry will be at the sole discretion of FMS, and may result in an additional $50 late fee being charged.CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION FORMCLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORMMore information is available from the Florence Main Street office by calling 256-760-9648 or email us at events@florencemainstreet.org.We thank you for your participation and look forward to seeing you at the 2016 Florence Christmas Parade.

How you can Win the Window this Christmas

Florence Main Street presents Win the Window CampaignNovember 1st  - December 7thThis holiday season, Shoals shoppers can earn chances to win an estimated $6,200 in merchandise and gift certificates through Win the Window, a campaign by Florence Main Street. Between November 1 and December 7, shoppers can enter to win by spending at least $25 at any of the 38 participating businesses in downtown Florence. The prize windows will be unveiled during  Downtown Christmas Open House on Saturday, November 16, and winners will be announced at the end of a Last Chance Shopping Blast on Saturday, December 14.“We will have two windows on Court Street filled with valuable merchandise from local shops, restaurants, and service providers,” said Christina Dorough, Program Coordinator at Florence Main Street.  “One window will be geared toward female shoppers, while the other will target male shoppers.” Shoppers will earn entries to win the entire male or female window.The windows will be covered until the unveiling at the November 16 Christmas Open House. “By unveiling the contents of the windows, we hope to build anticipation and get people excited about winning some great prizes,” said Florence Main Street Director Teryl Shields.Shoppers will get an entry for every $25 they spend at a participating business, and there is no limit to how many times individuals can enter. Participating shops and stores will have entry forms, and tables at participating restaurants will have information on how diners can use their receipts to enter.“We all have a lot of shopping to do during the holidays, and this promotion gives people the opportunity to win valuable prizes just by choosing to do their shopping in downtown businesses,” said Jennifer Butler Keeton, chair of the Main Street Promotions Committee. “We think people will discover that they can do most  of their holiday shopping in locally owned businesses. Downtown Florence has plenty of options for men’s and women’s clothes, art, jewelry, and home décor, as well as great food, salons, and more.”This project is a collaborative effort between Florence Main Street, business owners, and volunteers. Approximately 38 downtown businesses are participating. The prize windows will be displayed at 205 North Court Street. For more information on the Win the Window contest, call Florence Main Street at 256-760-9648.