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Johns Creek Founders Day Parade to feature new bands and old favorites

Some new, fun attractions will be headlining the 5th Annual Johns Creek Founders Day Parade set for Dec. 3 on State Bridge Road.

The parade will feature the quirky Seed and Feed Marching Abominable, a community marching band known for its street theater. Founded by the former director of theater at Emory University, the band has played at Barnum and Bailey Circus and a number of events in Atlanta. Their wide-ranging music list includes "Oye Como Va," the theme of the Pink Panther, "Time Warp," and "Georgia on My Mind."

Another newcomer is the Atholl Highlanders Pipes and Drums of Stone Mountain, a Scotch-Irish influenced marching band that played in Super Bowl XXXIV and was named Grade 5 Drum Corps of the Day at the Charleston Scottish Games on Sept. 17.

The Georgia Military Vehicle Preservation Association is making its first appearance in the Founders Day Parade. The Association inventory includes vintage Jeeps and two-and-a-half-ton troop trucks. And the North Metro SWAT armored vehicle is scheduled to motor down the parade route.

This year, the parade already has the return of the World Financial Group's NASCAR Nationwide Series race car, the 2011 Ford Mustang driven by Carl Edwards, as well as the Atlanta Braves' Heavy Hitters drum line and Homer the Brave, and the Shriners Clown Bus, Little Cars, and Potentate Escort. And the RE/MAX signature balloon will be coming back as well.

The parade celebrates the 5th anniversary of the founding of the City of Johns Creek, which was incorporated Dec. 1, 2006.

Past parades have featured the Wienermobile, the Wells Fargo stagecoach, the Marine Marching Band as well as floats, high school marching bands, clowns, equestrians, and performing groups. In 2010, the Parade featured 85 units of all types, and parade organizers are expecting more this year. About 2,000 people participated in the parade, and about 10,000 people watched.

To secure a spot in the parade, please fill out an application and email it to , fax it to her at 678-512-3244, or drop it off at City Hall at 12000 Findley Rd. The deadline is Nov. 11. The parade is scheduled for Dec. 3.

Just remember that there can only be one Santa, and he's riding in the last vehicle. Also floats can't be more than 15 feet high, and groups are limited to 120 participants.

The parade is followed by "Santa Jam," a community party at Johns Creek High School. It offers music, race cars, firetrucks, games, and fun children's activities.

The parade and Santa Jam cap a week of festivities from the lighting of a Christmas tree and dreidel to craft fairs and a Toys for Tots campaign. All events are free.

See the schedule of events.