The Piedmont Parade Committee postponed the Christmas Open House due to extreme cold and re-scheduled the annual Christmas Parade to take place on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m.

The Parade is titled "Piedmont Christmas Parade of Champions" and will include the Piedmont High School 3A State Championship football team; the Piedmont High School State Championship wrestling team; and the Piedmont Parks and Recreation Department State Championship Eight & Under girls softball team as Grand Marshalls.

Keith Word, Piedmont Housing Director and parade committee member, said the phone starting ringing on Friday morning with concerns about children being out in the cold weather. There were serious concerns about parade entries dropping out due to the weather as well.

After discussing the matter with Superintendent Matt Akin, the Piedmont High School coaches, and Mayor Brian Young, the parade committee decided to postpone the Christmas Open House and reschedule the annual Christmas parade.

Word said the new date will not conflict with any Piedmont City School games or church services.

The parade route will remain the same, but plaques and ribbons will be presented at the gazebo downtown during the parade. Word also stated that he would request the Piedmont High School Blue Knights Marching Band to perform in the middle of town.

"Piedmont is so very fortunate to have an award winning band to compliment the award winning teams we have at Piedmont City Schools," said Word.

The deadline for this year's Christmas of Champions Parade has been extended to Friday, Dec. 11th at noon. Entry forms can be requested via email or picked up at the Piedmont Housing Authority, the City of Piedmont City Clerk's office, the Solid Rock Cafe, Old Mill Realty, Formby Furniture, CRS Printing, Carolyn & Tammy's, and the Clyde H. Pike Civic Center. There is a $10 entry fee.

The City will block streets in the downtown area at 3 p.m. and the Piedmont Senior Citizens will begin selling chili at 3 p.m. The Wednesday afternoon programs will be concluded at the end of the Christmas Parade.

Santa Claus will once again visit Piedmont riding on top of the Piedmont Fire Department fire truck to throw candy to the children. Candy may also be thrown from any registered entry in this year's parade. Questions about the Christmas of Champions Parade can be referred to Ben Singleton with the City of Piedmont at 447-3582 or cell 310-0650 or Keith Word at the Piedmont Housing Authority at 447-6734 or cell at 239-8342.