By Mary Catherine Brooks
Christmas parades are scheduled in both Mullens and Pineville.
Mullens’ annual Christmas Parade of Lights is scheduled Friday, beginning at 6 p.m.
The parade route will begin at the Mullens pool, then down Moran Avenue to downtown Mullens.
In addition to Santa, cartoon characters will include Barney, Baby Bop, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer, and Elmo.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with the cartoon characters, will greet children following the parade at the Mullens Fire Department.
Free refreshments will also be provided by the fire department and Mullens Area Chamber of Commerce members.
The second annual Pineville Area Christmas Celebration, “A Story Book Christmas, is scheduled Saturday, beginning at 5 p.m.
Parade line-up begins at 4 p.m. in the FasChek parking lot. The parade will move through town via Main Street.
After the parade, student essay contest winners will read their essays and will jointly light the Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn.
A choir music program will begin after the tree is lighted. Popcorn and hot chocolate will be provided.
The festival is sponsored by the town of Pineville in conjunction with the Pineville Area Chamber of Commerce.
