Santa will finally be making his debut in the city of Spanish Fort for the first Christmas parade.

The Eastern Shore Centre will host the parade titled the “Spirit of Christmas” Dec. 1.

The theme was picked because Spanish Fort is known at the “City of Spirit.” Honorary grand marshall will be former Mayor Ray Carter.

“The parade is to mark the beginning of the Christmas holidays and to hopefully put everyone into a charitable and giving frame of mind and heart,” said parade organizer Donna Dunning.

An entry fee of $25 is required for participants, and proceeds will be donated to Maddie’s Fund Pet Rescue/Baldwin County Humane Society and North Baldwin White Christmas.

“We want to pass on the money to whomever it will do the most good,” Dunning said.

In addition, on the day of the parade, donations of nonperishable pet food and pet supplies will be accepted, as well as human nonperishable foods, toys and clothes.

Applications are now being accepted from all groups who want to participate and must include a holiday themed sketch or plans.

Floats, marching groups, choirs, organizations, dancing and walking groups will be considered. Awards will be given for the most creative float or group, best of show and mayor’s choice float or group. Throws must also be holiday-themed.

Applications are available at the Spanish Fort City Hall, Eastern Shore Centre or Westminster Village or applications can be downloaded from the Web site at cityofspanishfort.com.

Contact Donna Dunning at 251-626-4884 for deadline information.

Dunning said the city is not sure how many groups will participate, and the cut-off date has not yet been announced.