By Rita Howell

Seven local towns have planned Christmas parades and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies next month.

The first is in Marks, on Monday, December 2, when the spotlight will be on veterans. There will be a reception with music and refreshments in front of Citizens Bank from 5-6 p.m. The parade starts at 7 p.m. Veterans who would like to participate should call 902-4513.

Crenshaw’s Christmas parade on Thursday, December 5 will honor the memory of Hubert Joyner, the assistant fire chief who died this year. That parade starts at 6 p.m.

Crowder’s annual daytime Christmas parade will be held Saturday, December 7 at noon.

Como’s annual Christmas tree lighting celebration will take place Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m.

Batesville’s parade will be held Tuesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. and will follow its traditional route down Watt to Park to Broadway to the Square. The theme is Christmas Around the World. The Batesville Lions Club sponsors the event. Call 563-4689 to register to participate.

In Sardis, the annual Christmas parade on Thursday, December 12 will begin at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a tree-lighting at City Hall.

The Town of Pope will hold a Christmas parade on Sunday, December 14 at 3 p.m., with a gathering following at The Place. Call 647-1459 for information.