Current and former Smithfield firefighters are invited to become the group Grand Marshal for this year’s Christmas Parade. 

The Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department was tapped to lead the parade as a way to honor its 80th anniversary of serving the community, according to Tourism Special Events Coordinator Connie Chapman. 

Tourism is creating a banner for firefighters to carry at the start of the parade, said Chapman.

The “Firehouse Christmas” parade is Saturday, Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m. in downtown Smithfield. 

The parade is also open to other organizations and groups that want to enter a float, animals, band, dance routine, marching unit or vehicles. The deadline to register for a spot is Nov. 1 or when full. 

For an application, go to genuinesmithfieldva.com and click on menu, then events, then type in parade in the keyword box and hit go. On the next page, click on Downtown Smithfield Annual Christmas Parade and then click on photos, videos & files and scroll down. The parade application and information are available for download.