On Saturday, Dec. 9, you just might hear "Jingle Bells," "Deck the Halls," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and more throughout the streets of Elizabethtown. The GEARS Holiday Parade will step off at 4 p.m. with a theme of "Holiday Songs."

The parade will process down Market Street in Elizabethtown, from West Bainbridge Street to Winnemore and Mechanics alleys. Anywhere along Market is a good spot to catch all the action, said GEARS program coordinator Lee Eckert, noting, "Most people like to be near the judges' stand next to the E-town post office. That's where the groups will perform."

He added that the parade's theme is bringing out the creativity of participants. "Groups are really focusing on the theme, so it should be a very energetic parade," he commented.

Participants will include local churches, Boy and Girl Scout troops, sports teams from Elizabethtown Area High School and Middle School and high school bands. "We also will have a few groups with horses and dogs," Eckert stated. "We will have cool old cars and firetrucks."

The parade is sponsored by Mars Wrigley. "They will be donating all the candy you see and receive in the parade," Eckert said. "They have definitely enhanced the event."

As the parade wraps up, viewers can expect some surprises, he revealed. "Santa will be the final event of the parade, and you'll have to come out and see how he will enter the parade this year," Eckert shared.

After the parade, people are invited to join Santa at his cottage on the square, where he will meet the community.

The parade is an opportunity to join in community fun and support the individuals and organizations who participate, Eckert stated. "It's a great way to kick off the holiday season in Elizabethtown," he said.

For more information, visit http://www.getintogears.org.