Blowing fingers and stamping feet,

Come from far away, you to greet-

You by the fire and we in the street-

Bidding you joy in the morning.&8221;

&8220;Joy to the World!

It’s here, it’s here, it is almost here!

By JEAN T. MARTIN

The Selma Times-Journal

Who among the elders could forget taking part in church pageants and singing carols in school programs?&8221; Others remember with delight the toy-laden counters of Kress, Woolworth’s and the doll wonderland on the third floor of Tepper’s.

Never, ever leave out memories of mugs of rich eggnog, homemade fruitcakes soaked in brandy and Lane cakes on the dessert sideboard.

And dearest of all, just as dawn was breaking on Christmas morning, gathering under the lighted tree, where gaily-wrapped packages, all sizes and shapes, waited to expose the wonders contained therein. Such were the wonders of a Southern Christmas of long ago, so are the wonders of Christmas today.

At 9 a.m., Saturday, the parade will assemble at School of Discovery and march its way through the streets of downtown Selma, with bands playing, flags flying and people rejoicing.

Sponsored by the City of Selma and directed by the Community Development Office and the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, the parade will be lengthy, with several bands, parade sponsors, decorated floats and ROTC units assembled under the leadership of the Grand Marshal Mallieve Breeding, known statewide as Madame Butterfly.

The entries number about120 and include city and county elected officials, area bands, cheerleaders, floats sponsored by local organizations, schools, churches and businesses. Among the entries are horsemen and their horses, Boy Scouts, motorcyclists, clowns, ROTC units, Selma Youth Ambassadors, Sweet Treat 2, Tiny Tots Daycare, Two Little Peanuts, Freedom Foundation’s Real Talk, Marion Military Institute Color Guard, and a surprise band from Mississippi.

Of course, there will be shiny red fire trucks, boogie-beat cars, train and holiday music to touch our hearts.

And the guest of honor will be easily recognizable from his bright red clothing and lengthy white beard. Guess who?

The Christmas Parade signals the beginning of the best and brightest holiday season in the city as it begins its traditional celebration. Among these are: Holiday Open House at Selma City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today, followed by the lighting of the City Christmas tree at 5 p.m.; the 60th Anniversary presentation of Handel’s Messiah!

7 p.m., in the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday; and the opening of Holiday Festival at the Striplin Performing Arts Center at 10 a.m. Monday, which will remain open through Dec. 16.