Applications being accepted for annual Sumter Christmas parade tentatively set for Dec. 6

The Evening Optimist Club is accepting applications for its annual Sumter Christmas Parade, tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

The theme for the 2020 Christmas Parade is "We Need a Little Christmas Now." If your school, civic club, church or business would like an application, contact Gail Hyatt at (803) 983-3916, or via email, gailhyatt@sc.rr.com. Deadline for entry is Friday, Nov. 6.

All participants must comply with current pandemic protocols. A list of these protocols will be provided with the application. The parade will be limited to 50 percent of typical size, therefore no late entries will be accepted.

The parade committee is closely monitoring developments related to the current health emergency. At this time, the committee is moving forward with planning for the parade with a final determination to be made on Nov. 9.

All decisions regarding the 2020 Christmas Parade will be made in compliance with current Executive Orders from the Office of the Governor, in consideration of CDC and DHEC recommendations, and in close consultation with the Sumter Police Department and the S.C. Department of Commerce. The health and safety of parade participants, spectators and law enforcement personnel are of utmost concern and will drive the decisions regarding the parade.