Staff Writer

Bernice Canupp said her brother-in-law, Robert “Beaver” Canupp, had a heart bigger than Lockhart.

Organizers of this year's Christmas parade hope the event will match Beaver's heart.

The parade will be held in memory and honor of Canupp, the town's mayor who died on Aug. 8. Before his death, Canupp oversaw the parade and in 2007 nominated Buddy Allen as parade marshal.

“We want the biggest parade ever,” said Bernice, who is married to Beaver's brother, Barry, the current parade director. “Beaver loved Lockhart, he wanted to do a lot and I know he would have done a lot. He had a heart bigger than Lockhart; he loved older people and kids and children loved him to death.”

Lockhart's parade, one of six planned in the county this Christmas season, will be held Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. Those wanting to enter the parade may call Barry Canupp at 545-2346, Dale Inman at 545-6612, Lee Brannon at 426-8261, Town Hall at 545-2103 or Jeanie Belue at 251-0555. The parade lines up at Lockhart School. No ATVs will be allowed unless pulling a float. ATVs must be operated by adults.

Parade marshals are longtime fire chief Hugh Gregory and his wife, June, who do a lot of volunteer work for the town.

Buffalo

Buffalo kicks off the Christmas parade season on Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. Those wanting more information about participating in the parade may call Wanda Holcombe at 427-8316 or Melinda Wages at 429-0415. Churches in the community take turns overseeing the parade. This year, Full Gospel Church is in charge.

Parade marshal is Sgt. Major Doug Gilliam, a Buffalo native who is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Gilliam has done a lot of volunteer work for Buffalo, including for the community center.

The parade lines up on Riley Road and proceeds to Duncan Avenue. The community tree lighting will be held at the Buffalo Community Center at 6 p.m.

Jonesville

Jonesville's Christmas parade will be held on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Contact people are Joan Burgess at 674-5717, Phyllis Youngblood at 674-5682 or Betty Mitchell at 674-5357.

Parade marshals are James Littlejohn, Bill Littlejohn and Bill Craig. The three men grow a large garden each year and donate the bounty to others.

Carlisle

The Christmas parade in Carlisle will be held on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Contact person is town council member and mayor-elect Mary Ferguson-Glenn at 429-8812 or Town Hall at 427-1505.

Whitmire

Whitmire's Christmas parade will be held Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. Contact person is Sue Hollingsworth, (803) 694-3797. The parade lines up on North Main below the car wash.

The town's tree-lighting on Main Street will be held Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Union

On Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. the Union Christmas parade will be held. Those wanting to enter may contact the Chamber of Commerce at 427-9039. Entry forms are available at the Chamber.

Parade marshals will be Mike Petrie, the Union County Chamber of Commerce's volunteer of the year, and those honored during the Chamber of Commerce banquet on April. The other marshals include representatives from Liberty Tax Service, the Small Business of the Year; ConTech, the Industry of the Year; and the Union County Healthcare Foundation, which was the Service Group of the Year.

All vehicles, including go-carts and 4-wheelers, must be driven by a licensed driver. It is asked that there be no throwing of candy or favors. South Carolina law prohibits throwing of any object from a moving vehicle. Those wanting to provide candy are asked to have someone walk alongside the unit and pass it out.

Santa Claus is the final unit in the parade; there are to be no other Santas on floats or units.

All dance routines must be forward moving routines.

Sardis

The Sardis Christmas parade will be held Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. Contact person is Roger Bailey at 427-1213. The parade lines up at the first Airport Road and proceeds to Sardis United Methodist Church. The community Christmas tree and children's program will be held at 5:30 p.m.