By CHAD ABSHIRE

Staff Writer

The Town of Gilbert is holding a Christmas parade and tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 4, and everyone is invited to particpate.

Victoria Surber, an employee of Gilbert Town Hall, said that it was open to everyone, and will feature car clubs, churches and more.

“People can walk in line or drive through the parade,” Surber said. “They can design a float and put anything on it.”

The line-up for the parade will be at the Gilbert Volunteer Fire Department at 2 p.m., with the parade beginning at 3 p.m. and progressing through the town.

Katelyn Hensley, a student at Gilbert Elementary School, will be the grand marshal for the parade.

In August, the Town of Gilbert held a fundraiser for her, as she is currently battling Hemophagocytic Syndrome, also known as Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare blood disorder typically found in young children.

People with active HLH have overactive histiocytes, a cell made by the bone marrow, which may travel throughout the body in the blood.

During November’s meeting of the Gilbert Town Council, Mayor Vivian Livingood said that she wanted Katelyn to be the grand marshall, and the councilmembers could find no fault with it. The motion was passed that the family of Katelyn be asked if she could participate.

After the parade, there will be a Christmas tree lighting in the Gilbert Town Hall cafeteria at 6 p.m., with local talent performing for the entertainment of everyone, hot chocolate and cookies, and even the the man in red himself, Santa Claus, giving out treats to children.

Surber also said that Mr. Claus would make an appearance during the parade.

The parade is open to the public and if anyone would like to participate, Surber said that they should call Gilbert Town Hall at (304) 664-9625.