SPANISH FORT, Ala.— Need a fun and free event to put kids in the Christmas spirit?

The city of Spanish Fort will hold its second annual ‘Spirit of Christmas’ parade at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Eastern Shore Centre.

So far, organizers say they have received about 56 entries.

Throws will include   Christmas-themed items such as candy, balloons, stuffed animals and beads, according to Kristen Kammer-Hattox,  a parade organizer.

The parade route will begin around Barnes & Noble and will run the outside of the centre and snake around to the inside, Kammer-Hattox said.

The parade will feature city officials and Mayor Joe Bonner, who will ride on the city of Spanish Fort’s float, followed by the Spanish Fort High School marching band, cheerleaders, dancers and flags and at least two homecoming floats; Daphne High School ROTC; the Dogwood Trail Maids; the Faith Family Fellowship’s MOPS; Cub Scout Pack 20; former Fairhope four-legged mayoral candidate Willie Bean; Daphne Utilities; Mobile Bay Bears; and 106.5 The Pirate radio station.

The U.S.S. Alabama; the Gypsy Chicks; Boy Scout Troop 109;  the WNSI radio ambulance; and more will participate.

The Fairhope Middle School Unicycle Club will also ride its way through the parade, Kammer-Hattox said.

The Spanish Fort Fire Rescue will bring in Santa Claus at the end of the parade, when he will make his way to the stage at the fountain to take photos.

Arts and crafts activities will also be available at the fountain courtyard from 10 a.m. to noon after the parade, Kammer-Hattox said.

The parade is a charitable event where food donations will be accepted to benefit the Prodisee Pantry—a nonprofit food pantry in Spanish Fort that serves needy families in Baldwin County—and The Haven—a no-kill Fairhope-based animal shelter—which both need food and supplies.

The Haven seeks dry and wet dog and cat food, as well as bleach and paper towels, organizers said.

The pantry seeks items such as canned goods, household staples, bags of black eyed peas, dried milk and canned fruits and vegetables, organizers said.

Monetary donations are also accepted and allow the pantry to buy food in bulk from the Bay Area Food Bank in bulk at a low cost.

“I think it will be great,” Kammer-Hattox said. “I think it will be bigger and better than last year.”

Westminster Village—a retirement community in Spanish Fort—celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and has selected charter residents Janice Burton and Irene Ostberg as grand marshals in the parade.

The city has proclaimed 2008  to be Westminster Village Year to recognize its 25th anniversary, according to a news release.

Floats will be awarded to the most creative; best of show; and the mayor’s choice for the float or group, the release said.

“We have been working hard on the second annual ‘Spirit of Christmas’ parade and urge everyone in the community to come join us for this festive event,” Kammer-Hattox has said. “It’s a great way to mingle with your friends and neighbors and have fun while supporting the worthy causes of both The Haven and the Prodisee Pantry.”

For more information on the parade contact Donna Dunning at 626-4884 or Kristen Kammer-Hattox at  625-0060.