SPANISH FORT, Ala.—The Spanish Fort ‘Spirit of Christmas’ parade is set for Dec. 6 and the city and organizers have worked hard to get the bands, floats and marchers ready for the second annual parade.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the Eastern Shore Centre and will include floats, the  Spanish Fort High School Toro band, former Fairhope four-legged mayoral candidate Willie Bean, unicycles, toy soldiers, boy scouts, mascots and much more.

The parade is a charitable event where food donations are accepted to benefit 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—who both are in need of food.

“We’re giving them enough to really make a difference this year,” Deann Servos, executive director at the pantry, said of the holiday boxes for the needy. “Any kind of canned goods or staple grocery items  are needed.”

The pantry seeks items such as dried milk, bags of black eyed peas, canned fruit and vegetables, Servos 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 much cheaper rate, Servos said.

Last year the pantry gave out about 800 turkeys to needy families, however, this year it’s hoping for about 1,200 turkeys, Servos said.

The Haven also seeks dry and canned dog and cat food,  as well as bleach, organizers said. 

Donations can be dropped off at the fountain courtyard the morning of the parade, according to a news release.

“I think there’s a lot more people in need this year,” Donna Dunning, permit clerk for the city, has said. “We really want to stress this parade is for charity.”

Last year the city had about 65 entries, however, this year organizers hope for many more, Dunning 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,” Kristen Kammer-Hattox, marketing director at the Eastern Shore Centre, 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.”

The city has proclaimed 2008  to be Westminster Village Year to recognize its 25th anniversary.

Charter residents Janice Burton and Irene Ostberg will serve as the grand marshals of the parade, according to a press 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.

Applications can be picked up at City Hall, the Eastern Shore Centre’s management office or printed online at www.cityofspanishfort.com.

Applications for floats, choirs, marching bands, walking groups, organizations, dancers and more should be turned in by Dec. 1, Dunning said.

A $25 application applies to all who wish to participate in the parade. Proceeds will be donated to local charities, a release said.

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