The River Parishes community of Norco, will help usher in the holiday season as it hosts the 13th annual Norco Christmas parade on Sunday, Dec. 1, beginning at 2 p.m.
The theme of this year’s event is “Norco Noel: Santa Goes to the Movies.”
The parade welcomes participants of all kinds, including marching and walking groups, bands, community groups, pageant queens, horse riders and owners of antique cars. Anyone interested in participating in this year’s event may visit the parade website at www.norconoel.com to download an application and read the guidelines for participation. All vehicles must provide proof of insurance. Participants are strongly encouraged to include this year’s theme or a Christmas motif in their floats, costumes and musical selections. Entries must be returned by Nov. 21.
The parade will follow its traditional Norco route, beginning on River Road, traveling north on Good Hope Street then south on Apple Street. The parade will disband at the Capital One Bank building on Apple Street.
Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free photos with children by the Christmas tree in the Capital One parking lot. Parents should bring a camera, but parade organizers will be on hand to take photos as well. Those will be uploaded to the parade’s web site.
The Norco Christmas Parade was a River Parishes tradition throughout the 1970s before it was discontinued. In 2001, community leaders – led by lifelong Norco resident  Stephen Weber – revived the parade as an annual event on the first Sunday in December.
For more information, contact Stephen Weber at 504-202-5565, visit the website, www.norconoel.com or email norcoparade@aol.com.