VALLEY, Ala. — The Valley-Wide Christmas Parade launches at 6 p.m. Thursday in West Point.

The floats will depart in Lanett from the back parking lot of the old Frontier Bank at Cherry Drive and North Lanier Avenue. Overflow entries will line up in the Piggly Wiggly Parking lot, also on Cherry Drive.

The floats will leave the bank parking lot as the parade begins on 4th Avenue in West Point, turning right onto West 10th Street and West 3rd Street, where it will pass through downtown West Point.

The parade will continue to Highway 29, traveling through Lanett and Valley. The parade will end at Walmart in Valley.

“The parade is approximately 3 ½ miles long, which gives lots of viewing space along Highway 29,” said Laurie Blount, parade committee member. “There are food vendors located in the parking lot across from the old Lanett Mill for those watching the parade from that area.”

For those looking to enter a float, the deadline has been extended to 5 p.m. today. Anyone seeking to enter or wanting more information may contact Blount at the City of Valley Recreation Department, 334-756-5280.

The entry fee is $35 per float, or $30 with the contribution of five canned food items, and $10 per motorcycle with donation of one canned good. Checks should be payable to Tri-County Community Association Inc.

Parade entries may start lining up at 3 p.m. at the parking lot of the old Frontier Bank and must be in position by 5:30 p.m.

Judging begins at 4:30 p.m. and all floats must be in place and ready. Judging ends at 5:30 p.m.

Entries will be judged on creativity and originality in four categories: church, business, school and civic. Trophies and $100 will be awarded to the first place winners, second place will receive a trophy and $50, third place will receive a trophy and $25.