A decision whether to delay the annual Oaklawn Rotary Christmas Parade until Tuesday because of predicted rain will be made Monday morning, organizers said Friday.
The parade, themed "The Magic of Christmas" this year, is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, unless rain forces a delay.
According to the National Weather Service, showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm on Monday evening. Saturday's forecast for Monday placed the chance of precipitation at 80 percent.
The parade will have around 87 entries, said Robyn Kratzer Wedelich, Oaklawn Rotary spokeswoman.
Motorists are asked to remove all parked cars from the parade route by 5 p.m. on parade day.
Central Avenue, beginning at the junction of Whittington and Park avenues, will be closed to through traffic the day of the parade. The street closings will begin at Whittington Avenue at 6 p.m., and Central Avenue will close at 6:20 p.m., according to a news release from the city of Hot Springs.
The parade will proceed south on Central Avenue, turning east at Orange Street and disbanding at Transportation Plaza on Broadway Street.
"To ensure safety and allow for the space needed by marching groups, all parade attendees are asked to stand on the sidewalk and not on the street. Street vendors and throwing of candy are strictly prohibited," the news release said.
Maxwell Blade, master illusionist of the Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic, will serve as grand marshal of this year's parade.
Trophies will be awarded for Best Decorated Float, Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Special Effects, Best Choreographed, and Most Decorated Non-Float.
Local on 12/03/2017