Rossville is ushering in the yuletide season on Thursday, Dec. 2, with the city’s first Christmas parade.

“We have had a good response of about 17 different groups,” Fire Chief Bill Eaves said. “We have car clubs, law enforcement vehicles, Ridgeland High School’s band and JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps).”

Santa Claus will bring up the rear of the parade on a fire truck.

“We have 500 lights on the old ladder fire truck (pulling) a 38-ft long float,” Eaves said. “It will be a sight to behold!”

Partici-pants will line up behind Peerless Woolen Mills in front of Rossville Middle School.

The parade will go north on William Street and then turn right onto West Lake Avenue, Eaves said.

The parade will turn right on McFarland Avenue and march by the new City Hall. Then, the parade will turn right on Ellis Road and end in Rossville City Park.

Various fire departments plan to participate, including Rossville, Fort Oglethorpe, Walker County and East Ridge, Tenn.

For car lovers, Mountain City Corvette Club and C.A.R.S., or Classic Autos Rods and Streetcars, will be the highlight of the parade, he said.

Wilson and Sons Funeral Home’s new Harley Davidson hearse, which is a motorcycle with three wheels and a cart to carry the casket, will catch the eye of motorcyclists.

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When: Thursday, Dec. 2, starting at 4:30 p.m.


Where: Parade begins behind Peerless Woolen Mills off McFarland Avenue


For more information: Rossville Fire Chief Bill Eaves at (706) 866-1229

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The Tombstone Hearse Co. converted a Harley Davidson Road King into a three-wheeler with a camper-like attachment, resembling a 19th century hearse, funeral home Vice President David Wilson said. This hearse is the eighth one made by the company and will be the only one in the South.

Eaves plans to make the Rossville Christmas parade an annual event. A parade is planned to celebrate the city’s centennial in August 2005.

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