Signups for the annual Guyton Christmas craft fair are coming in briskly, according to organizers of the Guyton Christmas Festival.

The craft fair and parade are scheduled for Dec. 1 through Guyton. Parade entries have topped 100 each of the last two years and there have been more than 100 entries in the craft fair held along the old railroad bed. There are already more than 50 entries signed up for this year’s craft fair.

The number of awards handed out has been increased from four to six and the names of the categories have been changed.

Categories for this year’s parade entries include best traditional Christmas theme, best contemporary Christmas theme, best spiritual theme, most festive business entry, most entertaining and best overall. Judging for the floats will be between 10-10:30 a.m. Those wishing to compete in the categories must have their float at the staging area by 10 a.m.

There is no pre-registration for parade entries, though slips will be passed out to the floats and marching units to fill out and turn in as they leave the gate to start the procession.

The Guyton Christmas parade is in its fifth year, having started to coincide with the 25th annual tour of homes. The original parade was in honor of Dr. Willie Grier Todd, the late founder of the tour of homes.

Parade entries are welcome to report to the south gate of Guyton Elementary at 9 a.m. that day. The Effingham County High School band will be the lead band of the marching elements.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. From Guyton Elementary, the parade will proceed south down Highway 17 to the intersection with Highway 119. Once there, marching units will turn right and floats will turn left.

The craft fair will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.