Santa is ready for the annual Ironton Christmas Parade, but St. Nick could use a few more helpers.

With the event set for 6 p.m. Nov. 26, the registration deadline to participate in the event is Monday. The entry forms have been published in The Ironton Tribune or can be gotten by contacting Lou Pyles at (740) 533-2977.

An annual event that has been a holiday staple for more than 20 years, the parade is sponsored by the Ironton Lions Club and serves as a kickoff to the holiday season.

“We want to share the joy of Christmas and the true meaning of Christmas,” Pyles said, hence the theme ‘The Joy of Christmas.’ “We hope that people will want to share that joy with themselves and with their community.”

With more than 1,500 participants last year, Pyles said the event has grown into something that is a wonderful holiday event for the entire community.

“To see the joy in children’s faces when they see Santa Claus, and even adults, is really special,” she said. “I think there is a little kid in all of us. I think the parade is needed to show people that we care.”

Line-up for the event begins at 5 p.m. The rain date is Dec. 3.

Completed entry forms can be returned to The Ironton Lions Club, c/o Lou Pyles, 2526 S. Fifth St., Ironton, OH 45638.