The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that “Christmas Around the World” is the chosen theme for the 2015 Christmas Parade in Washington C.H.

The parade is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. The parade is a longstanding tradition in the community, and starting a new tradition, there will be no entry fee for the event.

“We greatly appreciate all the businesses and organizations that spend time and money to create their entry so we will not be charging for anyone to enter the parade,” Chamber President Whitney Gentry said during an interview Tuesday. “It is normally held the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so while everyone is in town visiting family plan to watch the parade together.”

Applications to join the parade are available online at www.fayettecountyohio.com, at the City of Washington C.H. administration building or at the chamber office at 101 E. East St.

Additionally, the chamber is accepting nominations for grand marshal of the parade. Simply email the name of your nominee along with an explanation of why you think this nominee should be grand marshal to [email protected]. Nominations are due no later than Oct. 23.

“Anyone can submit a nomination and the board will come together and decide on who will be the grand marshal,” said Gentry. “You can submit it in writing to the chamber of commerce office on the corner of East and Main or by emailing me. Just include the name of the person and what makes them special or deserving of the title. This is just a wonderful local event and a great way to kick off the holiday season. We hope everyone will either participate in the parade or make plans to watch.”

In conjunction with the parade, Main Street Fayette will be holding a Christmas celebration from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. During the celebration from 11 until 2:30 p.m. Santa Claus will be available for kids to meet and horse drawn carriage rides will be running. At noon until 2 p.m., members of the Washington High School and Miami Trace High School choirs will be singing on the court house steps. Main Street Fayette is also reminding the community about the upcoming tree lighting ceremony with the date and time to be announced later.

“We would really like to encourage the community to bring their kids out to meet Santa and enjoy some interesting attractions Main Street Fayette has scheduled,” Mekia Rhoades, chairperson of Main Street Fayette, said. “Immediately following the celebration, the Christmas Parade will begin and we hope everyone sticks around to enjoy it.”