Fun fact: everyone loves parades.

Whether one is willing to admit it or not, there’s something delightfully absurd about hundreds of spectators watching their friends and neighbors march through town hurling candy and waving like crazed pageant queens.

There is no better way to welcome the holiday season than to participate in one of the oldest traditions in Athens – the Downtown Parade of Lights.

“They started organizing it in 1975,” said Mark McCoy, the Bishop Park facility supervisor.

“It was to promote downtown business.”

According to McCoy, the parade is not only a beloved town tradition, but an important bolster to the local economy.

“It’s good for people to come out, for one, to recognize the downtown businesses that are here to serve the community for the holiday shopping season,” he said. “The public also gets a sense of community because of all the different types of local businesses and organizations that participate and help with the parade.”

Athens-Clarke County Animal Control has participated in the Parade of Lights for the past eight years.

Traditionally, Animal Control’s participation in the parade involves a march of recently adopted dogs.

“We invite people who have adopted from us in the last year to come back and walk with us,” said animal control supervisor Christy Champagne.

This year, in addition to the canine procession, the organization will be exhibiting an unusual float. “We have a horse trailer and we’re going to turn it into a giant dog,” said Champagne with a spirited laugh. “It’s always fun.”

For those of you attending the parade for the first time, McCoy said to expect a superior, float-oriented parade. “You’re going to see a lot of different sections of the community putting together some really artistic, professional-looking floats.”

There will also be local marching bands, youth performers and even horses.

“Everybody comes downtown to watch or participate in the parade,” McCoy said.