While Christmas is still a few months away, the St. James Chamber of Commerce is preparing for this year’s festivities and announced the theme “Joy to the World & St. James” for the annual parade. Those interested in entering a float in the parade can begin preparing.

Chamber Director Kelly Money said they are excited about this year’s event and gave some brainstorming ideas for the community to consider when designing their float. This year’s parade will take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, and will once again travel from the Missouri Veterans Home to the high school.

“Our evening parade is particularly magical because of the beautiful lights and nighttime floats. A sign-up sheet for floats will be created by the end of September,” Money said.

She provided several ideas for those wanting to enter this year’s parade, including building a snowy village scene, such as a St. James-inspired winter village with storefronts, lamp posts, and kids ice skating.

Or, create a scene of Christmas carolers in festive costumes with live music or speakers, marching toy soldiers and drums. The railroad plays a big part in the lives of the residents, so a train display, such as a Polar Express-inspired scene with St. James theming, would make a great float idea.

Money said other ideas could be oversized ornaments, a Santa’s workshop, Nativity scenes, angels of St. James or ideas inspired by local businesses.

The Chamber will be announcing over the next week or two when parade signups go live, so the Money encouraged the community to follow the St. James Missouri Chamber of Commerce Facebook page to learn more as information is released and more details are finalized.