For twelve years the community of Max Meadows has presented a parade to welcome the holiday season and showcase what the residents have to offer. Dec. 3, 2011 will mark the final year of the parade’s original chair overseeing the organization and a transition into new hands.

Libby Huddle, of the Max Meadows Community Improvement League, helped form the parade in 1999 to bring the community together in celebration of the season. As her final parade draws near, Huddle hopes this will be its greatest year.

“[The Max Meadows Community Improvement League] hopes the community will get involved and we hope to make it special for the area,” said Huddle.

In 2012, the parade will be overseen by this years first-time co-chair Gary Cody, Wythe County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director. Cody and the department feel the efforts of the both groups will benefit the community they serve.

“We are coming together to make this tradition of the Max Meadows Christmas Parade better than ever before,” said Cody. “We appreciate all the support the area can provide to make it a success for the community of Max Meadows and Wythe County.”

The theme of this year’s parade, which begins at 1 p.m., will be “Christmastime.”  Parade lineup will be at the Max Meadows Elementary School and will proceed down School Street, cross the railroad tracks to Park Street, turn onto Max Meadows Road and disband at the recreation field.

Huddle reminded the community that it isn’t too late to enter a float in this year’s landmark parade. First-place trophies will be awarded to floats in the civic, religious and commercial categories. A plaque will be presented to the best antique vehicle.

The parade will have old tractors, antique vehicles, fire trucks, rescue squad, state and county police, civic groups, commercial groups, churches and Ft. Chiswell H.S. Band.

Anyone interested in registering an entry may call 637-3017 or the recreation department at 223-6022.