Brent Blankenship, chief of the Newnan Police Department, on behalf of the City of Newnan, outlined safety rules and staging instructions for the city’s annual Christmas parade, saying the procession will begin at 6 p.m. and that one person will portray Santa at the end of the parade.

The guidance matters because it sets participant expectations, traffic and parking controls, and safety rules that the city will enforce during the event.

Blankenship said vehicles participating in the parade must be decorated rather than driven through undecorated, and that music and signage should be seasonal and appropriate. He listed a series of prohibitions: firearms, weapons, alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and participants should not ride on top of enclosed motor vehicles. On handing out treats, Blankenship said, “Throwing candy? Not cool. Let's not do it,” and asked that groups have people distribute items by hand rather than tossing them into the crowd. He also told participants with animals to pick up waste before the next group arrives.

Staging and arrival details were specified: floats should arrive at the staging lot off Elm Street; support vehicles may park in the Westside University of West Georgia lot along Carmichael Street; vehicles may arrive any time after 9 a.m. but will not be admitted after 5 p.m.; entrance will be from Elm Street and directed by city staff. Blankenship warned that entrance or drop-off from Jackson Street, Cavender Street or Dunst's Barbecue will not be allowed and asked participants not to park at Lee King or Dunst's.

Officials will judge contest entries at 4 p.m.; Blankenship said entries that want to be considered must note that on their application and that ribbons should be returned to city staff after the parade. Walking groups should gather in the East Side parking lot of the University of West Georgia and check in with city staff; drop-off for walkers is available in the West Side lot along Carmichael Street. Blankenship said walking groups that are associated with a vehicle entry should inform city staff where their vehicle is positioned and that walking groups will join their float 15 minutes before the parade is released.

Blankenship described the route and endpoints: the parade will begin at the intersection of Jackson Street and Cavender Street, continue down Jackson Street and end at the intersection of LaGrange Street and Salvidi Avenue. He said walking groups may leave the route at Salvidi Avenue and proceed to Greenville Street Park. Floats and vehicles should proceed over the bridge and down LaGrange Street; after reaching Hollis Heights, participants may attempt to return to the staging area or take their entry back to their organization. He recommended carpooling to reduce demand on limited parking.

City staff will instruct participants on staging order and when to proceed during the lineup. Blankenship closed by thanking participants and urging adherence to the posted rules to keep the event safe and family-friendly.