By KERI CHAMPION

Staff Reporter

NORCO-The Norco Christmas parade is back after a one-year hiatus due to the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Stephen Weber, the parade’s organizer, said he just felt that a full parade was just too much in the aftermath of the storm.

Last year’s Christmas celebration was small with appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus at a community gathering.

&#8220This year we plan on having a quality parade, just like we have had in the past, but we plan to try and limit the participants to about 75 so that we can have a great parade with quality performers,” Weber said.

&#8220We already have Riverside Academy and Destrehan bands committed to participating in the parade,” he said.

However, the civic association is still searching for floats, bands, marching groups, costumed walkers, antique/classic cars, and horse riders to participate in this year’s parade.

The parade will kick off the 2006 Christmas season and will take place December 3, 2006 at 2 p.m. It will start at River Road in Norco. The route is between two and two-and-a-half miles and will follow Good Hope and Apple Street and ends at River Road.

&#8220After the parade, festivities will be gearing up to full swing with a picture opportunity with both Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Photos will be taken in the Capital One parking lot on Apple Street in Norco, starting at about 4:00 p.m.” Weber said.

Children will receive small gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus when they are photographed.

&#8220The Norco parade is a family oriented event and we hope everyone will come out for it,” Weber said.

The celebration will also include a community tree-lighting ceremony at dusk.