Taylor and Curtis chosen as 2013 Parade Grand Marshal

Tom Taylor (left) and Jerry Curtis visit with the crowd and wait to perform their official duties as Grand Marshal during this year's Community Christmas Tree Lighting November 30.

Tom Taylor and Jerry Curtis are no strangers to folks in Haywood County. Both have served more than 30 years on the Brownsville-Haywood County Rescue Squad and over 35 years collectively as volunteer firemen. So it's no surprise that they have been chosen to lead this year's community Christmas Parade.

The co-Grand Marshals began their official duties November 30, when they flipped the switch to light the community Christmas tree. Over his lifetime, Taylor has 18 years experience at Haywood Company, 16 years at Wal-Mart and also served more than six years as a volunteer on the Brownsville Police Department during the tenure of Darrell Bull. Curtis has worked at Wal-Mart for the last 15 years and 10 years at MTD.

They invite the public to the festivities on the courthouse lawn this Saturday, December 14, beginning at 3 p.m., when all the children are invited to decorate their bikes, trikes, scooters or just about anything else they can ride, push or pull and join Santa for the Children's Parade. Santa will hang around for picture and to hear all the wishes of our local boys and girls. You're also invited to bring your letters for Santa, too.

Our four-legged friends get in on the fun, when Santa will lead the First Annual Pooch Parade at 4 p.m. He'll also take time to have pictures made with your pets.

The Haywood High School Show Choir will perform at 5, along with other area church choirs and groups helping to ring in the season and entertain the crowds gathering for the big parade which will begin at 6 p.m.

The Carl Perkins Center's Holiday Hustle fun run/walk will also be taking place. You can register at the Carl Perkins Center and enjoy the stroll from Boyd, down East Main and around the courthouse before the parade.

Food will be available on the square and parade watchers are invited to shop with local merchants while waiting for the parade to begin.

Over 35 entries have been confirmed for this year's parade which promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The parade is sponsored annually by the Brownsville-Haywood County Rescue Squad. In the event of  pouring rain or inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled for Monday, December 16.