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“Don’t mess with Advance.”

That was the opening sentence in an article written by Dwight Sparks for the Dec. 14, 1995 edition of the Davie County Enterprise Record.

Sparks was reporting that Advance was having a Christmas parade.

It seemed local resident and WTQR radio personality, Aunt Eloise, decided to have a little fun with Advance. She announced that Advance was having a Christmas Parade beginning at L&S Grocery and ending at the post office. For those who may not know, that is 100 feet at best.

Aunt Eloise told listeners to call L&S Grocery for details.

Sparks wrote: “Store owner, Linda Carter, was taken by surprise. What could she tell callers? Advance had never had a Christmas parade. There were no plans. No parade map. No grand marshal. No beauty queens. No marching bands. Not even any politicians.

“But no more.

“She decided it was a wonderful idea. Why not have one?  No matter that they only had about 10 days to get ready.”

With the help of too many to name, on Dec. 16, 1995, the  first Advance Christmas Parade was held.

  This year, on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m., the 25th Advance Christmas Parade will roll through the community. There will be a parade map, a grand  marshal, marching bands, beauty queens and even a few politicians.

“There will be new entries to see and some things from the past as we remember those previous parades,” said Ronnie Robertson of the Advance Fire Department.

Past participants are encouraged to come back and celebrate. Bring a float, tractor, car, truck, even a cow or pig.

To participate, show up before 9 a.m.: floats and trailers at the LeBleu parking lot, and all other participants at the elementary school, both on Cornatzer Road.

It’s all for fun.

The parade begins at the school, goes east on Cornatzer Road, turns right on NC 801, travels to Peoples Creek Road and ends past Pro Tool.

If traveling through the area between 9:45 and 11:30 plan an alternate route due to the road closure.