Across the world, Christmas is a time for community members to come together and celebrate, and Russellville is no different. People will pack the streets of downtown Thursday for Every Light a Prayer for Peace followed by the annual Christmas parade.

Every Light a Prayer for Peace will begin at 4:30 p.m. on the Franklin County Courthouse steps, precede by a Veterans and First Responders Reception in the courthouse starting at 3:30 p.m.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and follow the usual downtown parade route, beginning at Big Star and continuing past the Courthouse on Jackson Avenue.

“Christmas is my favorite time of the year, so I love celebrations like this,” said Russellville Mayor David Grissom.

Grissom said his favorite part of the parade is the float for the Helping Santa Toy Drive, a program the city participates in to collect toys for children for Christmas.

“It’s all just about making sure none of these kids goes without for Christmas,” said Russellville Fire Department Capt. Randy Seal. “We understand sometimes money is tough, and we want to help.”

Grissom said members of the community are able to bring a gift to the parade and put the gift directly on the float. He said sometimes he and members of the city council will walk beside the float, but he is not sure what the plans are for this year.

“It is just great to see people come out and help others, especially around this time of year,” Grissom said. “Being able to put an emphasis on the Helping Santa Program during the parade is awesome because there are so many people who need a little help.”