Tomorrow marks Shepherdstown’s 20th Annual Christmas Parade.

The parade, which starts at 11 a.m. and will work its way down German Street, will feature bands, fire engines and clowns, among other things, and at the end of the parade Santa and his helpers will make an appearance.

The ROTC from Jefferson High School and Mayor Jim Auxer will lead off the procession. The Shepherd University, JHS and Shepherdstown Middle School bands will take part in the parade.

Cynthia Schott, parade chairperson for the last 18 years, said that the parade has always been a community effort.

“The whole community comes out to help plan the Christmas Parade. A lot of the people in the community are also part of the parade,” she said.

Sponsorship of the parade is the community itself.

“The Christmas Parade is by, for and put on by the people of our community,” Schott said.

And those who came out in years past for parade are in for a treat.

“Each year the parade has gotten bigger and better,” Schott said.

She also said working on the parade with others is a fun project.

“I can’t say it enough. I’m proud of all the people involved with the parade. When I see the start of the parade as they march down German Street, I get tears in my eyes. I am happy about the results of the work that went into producing the parade. The look on people’s faces as the parade passes by is rewarding,” Schott said.

Participating organizations in this year Shepherdstown Christmas Parade are Corporation of Shepherdstown, Historic Shepherdstown Commission, Kiwanis Club of Shepherdstown, Rotary Club of Shepherdstown, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown Ministerial Association, Shepherdstown Business Association, Shepherdstown Visitors Center, Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department and the State of West Virginia.

This will be Schott’s last parade as chairperson. Starting next year, a committee will form to plan the parade.

“After 18 yeas of working on the parade I thought it was time to let it go. I’ll miss it,” she said.

The parade next year will kick off the 250th celebration of Shepherdstown.

“Over the years to come I feel that the parade will still grow and will always be fun to participate in and to watch,” Schott said.

For a full schedule of events for Christmas in Shepherdstown, visit www.christmasinshepherdstown.com.