Registration has begun for the annual Chilton County Peach Festival parade, an event organizer David Hicks said could see a record number of participants.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on June 26 and follow its usual course, winding through downtown Clanton.

Hicks said people must register so Clanton police, who organize the parade, will know what to plan for.

Participation in the parade will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hicks said it is difficult for the city to accommodate more than 80 entries and he expects the number this year to approach that limit because of looming elections for public offices.

Another advantage to registering early is that it will likely yield a better spot in the parade lineup.

“If you wait to the end to get your application in, you’ll be closer to the end of the line,” Hicks said.

By June 21, entries will be assigned a lineup number and location for lineup.

Hicks said 85 parties registered four years ago and that the parade averages 70-75 participants.

“There seems like there’s something going on every year,” Hicks said.

Mailed registration forms must be postmarked by June 15, and forms are available at The Clanton Advertiser, Clanton City Hall, Clanton Police Department, C & C Trophy, Peoples Southern Bank main branch, Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, Thorsby City Hall and Jemison City Hall.

“When I’ve got all the mail in, I’ll make a lineup and call people back and let them know where to go,” Hicks said.

Hicks emphasized the importance of parade participants lining up on time and where they are instructed to do so.

“If you’re out of place, you’re going to get scratched,” he said.

Hicks also stressed that Clanton PD only handles the parade. Questions about pageants should be directed to Clanton Lions Club member Tom Brown. Penny Broussard with the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce is organizing the Peach Jam Jubilee.