UNIONVILLE — Unionville will have its first Christmas parade Dec. 6 in conjunction with its 10th annual tree lighting.

Unionville American Legion Post 535 will host the parade.

“I detest the idea of making it a winter holiday or a winter celebration,” post Commander John Brewer said. “Christmas is Christmas.” Christmas “is part of our heritage and it should stay that.”

Brewer said one duty of American Legion posts is to “promote Americanism and patriotism.” The posts join with various religious groups to reach that goal, he said, adding that several churches are invited to be in the parade in celebration of a Christian holiday.

At the same time, Brewer said, the post does not “promote one religion over another,” and if it has the opportunity to celebrate another faith’s holiday, “the American Legion would be right there to assist in any way we could.”

The post assisted in a military funeral for a Jewish comrade earlier this year.

Town clerk Sonya Gaddy estimated that 300 residents attended the tree lighting last year. “With the parade this year, I’m sure it’ll be a lot bigger,” she said. Brewer hopes to double that number.

Post 535 is a new post and asked the Town Council to host the parade. The Unionville Lion’s Club is helping out because it has experience with putting on the town’s Fourth of July parade.

Money needed to host the event — about $800 — comes from post members. Parade participants pay no dues, but Brewer said donations are welcome.

“We just want to show the community our appreciation for their support,” he said.

With no building of its own to host a Christmas dinner or drama performance, the post opted for a parade. Piedmont High School cheerleaders will be there, along with other school organizations, local churches, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Brewer hopes to see some antiques, too.

“Unionville is known for its men and women who collect antique cars and tractors,” he said.

The Piedmont High band was also invited, but cannot attend because of the short notice. Brewer said he hopes it can make it next year.

Gaddy said her favorite part of the tree lighting is “the tree actually lighting up in the dark.”

It was Mayor Larry Simpson who decided to hold the tree lighting, and Simpson who led residents in lighting a bush the first year. The tree used now is about 12 feet tall.

Simpson said it will be nice to have an additional event to celebrate the season.

The parade will begin at 4 p.m. with post members raising the American flag and leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Simpson will count down to the Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m.

There will be refreshments and songs by the Piedmont High Women’s Ensemble. The event will wrap up with a visit from Santa Claus.

For parade details or to participate, contact Brewer at 704-882-3093.