Members of the West Jefferson Lions Club are gearing up for the 2009 Holiday Parade which will be held Nov. 14 at noon on South Jefferson Avenue.

Parker Tie Company is sponsoring the parade for the sixth consecutive year and the theme for this year’s event is “An Attitude of Gratitude”.

“The purpose of the parade is to pause and give thanks for the things that we do have and the community that we live in,” Parade Chairman Pete Yates said.

Yates also said that the parade traditionally serves as the unofficial kick-off for the Christmas sale season in Ashe County. Organizers have already begun planning for the parade in hopes of a good turnout by both participants and by townspeople.

“We are getting the word out early this year so more clubs and organizations will have time to think about being in the parade and possibly assembling a float,” Yates said.

The Ashe County Husky Vanguard Marching Band is set to participate in the parade action along with various civic clubs, dance teams, churches, and county fire and rescue departments.

Entry forms for participation are available at the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, People’s Drug, West Jefferson Town Hall, and at the Parker Tie Company. Prizes will also be awarded in the categories of Best Float, Best Band, and Best Religious Group.

For more information, call Parade Chairman Yates at 877-8771.

The West Jefferson Lions Club helps individuals in need of eye care and has been in existence for nearly 60 years and helps hundreds of people annually.