West Alabama Christmas parade held Monday in Tuscaloosa | Community Spirit

The 36th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade will be held in Tuscaloosa Monday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. This year's theme, "A Christmas of Hope" will be displayed on a commemorative flag that will take the place of a grand marshal.

The flag's design includes the number 52, representing the number of Tuscaloosa citizens who lost their lives in the April 27 storms; a houndstooth ribbon of remembrance for everyone who was affected by the tornado; and a red rose to honor the first responders and volunteers who helped in the rescue and recovery following the tornado.

A total of 105 floats are a part of this year's parade, which begins on Greensboro Ave. at 14th Street and will travel north to University Blvd, turn east and end at the corner of University Blvd. and 19th Ave.

Besides the commemorative flag, another new feature will be included in this year's parade. A wristband for parade participants younger than 16 years old will be given out free of charge. The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) decided to offer the wristbands after they were suggested by the Tuscaloosa Police Department as a safety precaution. The wristbands offer a space to fill out each child's name and an emergency telephone number. They are available at the Belk Center and PARA building.

A tree lighting ceremony will take place on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse prior to the parade at 5:15 p.m.

If you would like to share any photos or videos from this year's parade, email them to pix@wbrc.com or upload them to www.TellFox.com.