Plans for Suffolk’s Christmas Parade this year are causing a little controversy among downtown merchants.

At the last meeting of the Downtown Business Association, members expressed no small amount of concern over the new route and time.

The Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation is in charge of the event and according to some flyers passed out by DBA President Andy Damiani, Parks & Rec has opted for a night parade this year. And instead of the traditional route, congregating up West Washington and heading down Market, then South on Main, this year’s parade will star at Katherine Street and Constance Road, traveling west on Constance past the hotel, turning south on North Main Street, turning east on Washington and breaking up at Pinner and E. Washington.

The change in the route was reportedly a result of several altercations that broke out during the Peanut Fest parade. Authorities thought they would be better able to contain such occurrences over the new route, plus it would highlight attractions such as the Hilton and Train Station, in which a lot of jack has been invested.

Most DBA members were opposed to the changes and hoped the organization would make alternate suggestions.

The parade is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 and will include illuminated floats and displays to &uot;brighten up the Suffolk skyline.&uot;

Merchants are being encouraged to illuminate storefronts and buildings. A panel of judges will score merchant efforts on Dec. 2 and announced winners on parade night. Judging will be based on creativity, illumination and overall holiday spirit.

The theme this year is &uot;Christmas Treats and Holiday Sweets.&uot;

Anyone with questions or comments about the parade time and route should contact Theresa Earles at 923-3883.