FRANKLIN—Preparations for the Franklin Christmas Parade that almost didn’t happen are still in full swing. According to Franklin Parks and Recreation Director Frank Davis, nearly 30 entrants have signed on to participate in Saturday’s event.

“People are calling left and right,” Davis said Tuesday evening. “I want anyone who would still like to participate to know that we will still take you. As a matter of fact, if a little boy shows up with his bike Saturday morning and wants to ride the route, I just may let him.”

Davis said he realizes many may travel to Salem to support the Franklin High School football team as it makes a bid for the state championship.

“For anyone who is still here Saturday morning, this will be a great activity for them and their family,” he said.

Judges have been secured to pick parade superlatives. They include Alfred Crump, director of parks and recreation for Charles City County, LaSalle McCoy of Dupont Corp. from Chesterfield County and Linda Fillippi of Portsmouth.

Davis said parade planners will highlight veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars by making them all parade marshals.

“We have quite a few veterans signed up, but I’d love to see more call me so they can be included,” he said.

Davis said there is one international star who will definitely make an appearance at the parade.

“Santa has been found,” he said. “He has agreed to take a break from his busy holiday schedule to make an appearance in Franklin. The Franklin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department have offered to escort Santa on their truck, so the kids should look for him there.”

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday.

For more information, contact Frank Davis at 562-2475.