Pike County ushers in the Christmas season in a grand way each year with three countywide parades.

The Christmas parades will get underway at 6 p.m. Friday in downtown Goshen and everyone is invited to “come parade with us,” said Goshen Mayor Darren Jordan.

“It’s a Christmas parade, other than that, there is no theme,” Jordan said. “And, you don’t have to let us know you’re coming, just show up and lineup. Everyone is invited to participate with an entry in the parade or as a spectator at this annual event.”

Excitement is building as Goshen residents are preparing to host the county’s first Christmas Parade of 2016.

“The parade is in Goshen but we invite churches, schools, clubs, organizations and individuals all around the county and throughout the area to be a part of welcoming the 2016 Christmas season,” Jordan said. “You can walk or ride in the parade with lights, bells, Christmas colors, music – anything for the season.”

Lineup for the Goshen Christmas Parade is from 5 until 5:45 p.m. in front of the Goshen Fire Department.

“Usually, we line up at the gymnasium but we have a basketball game scheduled so we’re going to line up at the fire department,” Jordan said.

Prior to and following the downtown parade, there will be entertainment by SheBANG! Cloggers and Chad Sanders, Justin Sanders and others.

Santa Claus will make a special trip to Goshen to hear the Christmas wishes of all the boys and girls.

The 2016 Troy Christmas Parade is set for 6 p.m. Monday, December 5, in downtown Troy.

Shelia Jackson, Troy public relations director, said already more than 70 entries are registered for the parade.

“But it’s not too late to enter the parade,” Jackson said. “Just call 670-2286 and join the fun of being in the Troy Christmas Parade.”

The theme of this year’s parade is “Christmas Melodies” and Jackson said Troy’s creativity will be showing when the parade ushers in the Christmas season in Troy.

“People are having a lot of fun with the theme and that’s the makings of another great Troy Christmas Parade,” Jackson said. “We’ll have walkers and riders and floats and bands, including Troy University’s Sound of the South and the Charles Henderson High School Blue Machine.”

The parade will line up on Elm Street and follow a route around the square, the same route as the Troy University Appreciation Day Parade.

“The route provides great viewing from all around the square,” Jackson said.

Immediately following the parade, everyone is invited to the 2016 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the square.

Student representatives from the Troy City Schools will join Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves in the lighting of the city’s official Christmas Tree. The Troy Elementary School Choir will provide music for the ceremony.

Special holiday music by Henry Everett and Patrick Jackson will be from 5 until 6 p.m.  on the square and also following the lighting of the city’s Christmas Tree.

The third and final Pike County Christmas Parade of 2016 will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 6 in downtown Brundidge.

Lamar Steed, parade chair of the sponsoring Brundidge Business Association, said those who plan to enter the parade may call 735-2306 to let the BBA know they are coming but that’s not a requirement.

“The lineup for the parade will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Fort Wendell Taylor National Guard Armory but there will be no registration numbers. Just come and get in line,” Steed said. “The Christmas Parade will feature the Jingle Bell Jog with all kindergarten through fourth-grade students invited to participate. Lineup for the ‘jog’ will be at the old BB&T bank building.”

The parade will end at Brundidge City Hall where first- through fourth-grade students at Pike County Elementary School will present a program of Christmas songs.

Santa Claus will make a grand entrance on the fire truck with bells clanging and whistles blowing.

“After Santa greets the children, he will go to the Knox Ryals Pavilion where he will hear the Christmas wishes of all the boys and girls,” Steed said.

There are three opportunities to enjoy the fun and excitement of a Christmas Parade right here in Pike County. Everyone is encouraged to attend one or all of the parades.