‘Larry the UPS Guy’ named as this year’s parade marshal

By Donnie A. Lucas

The annual lighted Christmas Parade won’t be led throughout downtown Albany on Saturday, Nov. 26 by Rudolf or any of the other reindeer this year. Instead, officials have announced that “Larry the UPS Guy” will head up the event as the official parade marshal.

The event is an Albany tradition on the Saturday following Thanksgiving and will include drawings afterwards for $2,500 in Albany Bucks.

Albany UPS route driver Larry Loveland just retired at the end of October after 40 years service to UPS, more than 17 of those delivering to Albany customers.

Parade organizer Megaen Birdwell said anyone interested in entering the parade can send an email to chamber@albanytexas.com or leave a message on the Chamber’s phone at 325-762-2525.

The Chamber currently does not have a manager, but volunteers are helping organize events during the holiday season.

Entry forms for the parade will also be available at both First National Bank and First Financial Bank, along with Vintage Vanilla and The Albany News.

Birdwell said that cash prizes will be handed out for the winners in the parade. Exact amounts and categories have not been determined.

Participating Chamber members will begin handing out drawing tickets on Monday, Nov. 14. Tickets will continue to be distributed until the drawings following the parade on Nov. 26. Various denominations totaling $2,500 will be given to shoppers whose names are drawn.

The afternoon will start at 4:30 p.m. with Santa Claus making an appearance on his chair at the Bank Park. He will also ride in the parade.

Birdwell added that residents are encouraged to be creative when entering the parade.

“We will take anything that is lighted,” she said. “That includes tractors, floats, wagons, horses, bicycles, trucks, ATVs, and lawn mowers.”