VALDOSTA — Santa Claus is coming to town after all.

The annual Christmas parade, originally canceled due to the threat of bad weather, has been rescheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, according to a statement from Ashlyn Becton, the city’s public information officer.

The Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade was originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, but the threat of heavy rainfall got in the way. Up to 10 inches of rain fell in parts of Lowndes County during the weekend, causing flash flooding, road closures and even the collapse of portions of some roads.

The parade was postponed Friday morning to Dec. 8 on Valdosta Main Street’s event Facebook post. Minutes later, the event was instead canceled.

Dec. 8 was also the date of Valdosta State University’s graduation ceremonies. Later Friday, at a tree lighting ceremony, city officials promised the parade would be rescheduled.

The parade will have a Toyland Christmas theme. It will begin at Woodrow Wilson Drive and will lead a path down Patterson Street, ending at the Department of Health’s parking lot.

“I want to thank the parade committee for considering my request to reschedule the parade,” Becton said.

“The annual Christmas parade is a staple in the community.”

Those who wish to take part in the parade can pick up an application from the Valdosta Main Street office, 300 N. Lee St., should bring the application and entry fee on the day of the event. 

Those who paid a late fee or cannot participate in the rescheduled event can request a refund by calling (229) 269-1681. 

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.