The City of Gaffney has set the date and time for the 2008 City of Gaffney/Veterans Christmas Parade at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. As in years past, this will be a joint effort by the City of Gaffney and the Veterans.

Government officials and other dignitaries, beauty queens, bands, ROTC units, National Guard, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, churches, dance teams, horses and riders, tractors, cultural organizations, and businesses, etc., are all invited to participate. In addition to bands within the Cherokee County School District, other local and regional bands are invited to participate.

There is no charge to enter the parade, however approximately 13 decorated floats are available for rent at a cost of $440 each. This price includes a driver and the truck to pull the float. Please contact Pat Throneburg, Program Coordinator, City of Gaffney Visitors Center, 301 North Limestone Street, or call (864) 487-6244, to reserve your float.

The deadline for float rental is 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19.

All persons and organizations wishing to enter the parade should contact Throneburg as soon as possible, providing the name of the individual or organization, the number of participants, and the type of parade unit. The deadline for registering is 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5. A list of all entries will be submitted to the press for publication Dec. 10, 11, or 12. Anyone registering after 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5, will not be listed.

The parade route will begin on Railroad Avenue and then travel down Limestone Street to disburse at the intersection of South Limestone Street and Union Street. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. All units not in line at starting time will follow Santa Claus at the end of the parade line-up.