Early planning has begun for the annual Rockmart Christmas Parade, scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 with a rain date of Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Members of the Parade Committee held their first meeting Tuesday and are now seeking more volunteers.

If you wish to be part of this memorable event, call Craig Taylor at 770-684-5454.

The theme of the 2011 parade is “The Wonder of Christmas.” It is named for the title selected by the Rockmart Community Chorus concert on Dec. 3-4.

Prior to the parade, participants will gather at the parking lot near the Rockmart Municipal Complex (old high school).

They will enter College Street, go left on Piedmont Avenue, right on East Elm, left on Marble and right on Church Street. The parade will end at the former Elm Street Middle School parking lot.

All churches, schools, commercial businesses, non-profits, and civic organizations are encouraged to participate. Float prizes and who is eligible to win will be announced at a later date.

Individuals or groups who wish to enter a float are reminded of the following rules:

Do not have a live Santa Clause on your float. He is a scheduled attraction and more than one Santa will confuse the children. He will be at the end of the parade and will stop at the former Rockmart Police Department on Marble Street.

Do not throw candy or toys from your car or float. Children will run into the street to catch the candy and could be injured.

Walkers are permitted to hand out candy to the children along the route. Do not throw candy or toys!

All riders should be sitting or have a secure handle or prop to grasp.

All tailgates on trucks should be firmly latched in the upright position.

Do not allow riders to hang over the side of your truck or trailer. It is recommended that an adult ride with or walk along side if children are participating.

Do not throw or shoot confetti or any other objects that will be left on the streets to have to be cleaned up by someone else.

Do not exit the float as long as it is in motion since injuries could result.

Do not allow those riding on the floats to leave the float until it reaches the old Elm Street Middle School (the official end point). If this rule is not adhered to, your float could be disqualified.

Remember that the parade is at night. The streetlights will emit light but you might want to use lights on your float. Do not burn candles or have any other open flame as it could cause a fire.

Drivers must have a valid Georgia Drivers License.

Reckless/erratic driving is prohibited.

Motorcyclists must wear helmets. Bicyclists under the age of 18 must wear helmets.

Animals must have a cleanup detail following behind them.

Cars are not allowed to park in the float parking area. You may follow the direction of the workers and pull in to unload but immediately move on.

All parade rules, other information, and participant forms can be found online in two places, www.rockmart-ga.gov/rcac and www.facebook.com/rcac.ga .

Forms can be dropped off at the City of Rockmart Water Department at the Drive Thru window, Drop Box, or inside the Water Department.