STATENVILLE — Echols County will host its first lighted night-time Christmas parade this holiday season.

The parade will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, said Karen Corbett of the Echols County Board of Commissioners Office.

The Christmas parade has been a tradition in Echols County for years, but this will be the first one held at night, she said.

The actual parade route is still being mapped out, but those who want to participate have until Dec. 2 to fill out a float application.

Applicants do not have to be Echols County residents to participate, Corbett said.

She hopes people from around South Georgia will come and take part in the event. Corbett said the county is also currently looking for judges from outside of Echols County.

Cash prizes for first-, second- and third-place floats will be given out. Before the parade, members of Echols County 4-H will be selling glow sticks. Applications to enter a float are available online at www.echolscountygeorgia.com or by calling Karen Corbett at (229) 559-6538 or (229) 559-5562.