AHOSKIE – The sights and sounds of the season are headed to Ahoskie.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Holiday Parade, officially kicking off the Christmas season in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

The parade will follow its traditional route after lining up on West Main Street. From there, parade entries will travel east on Main Street, turning onto Catherine Creek Road and then to Sunset Street.

Following the parade, children are invited to enjoy lunch with Santa at the Church at the Crossroads (203 East Main St.).

Santa will be at the church from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. to say hello and read a special story to the children (ages 2 to third grade).

This event is offered free of charge, but requires an admission ticket. Those tickets may be picked-up in advance at the Cornerstone Christian Bookstore (141 NC 42 West) or the Ahoskie Public Library (210 East Church St.).

There will be no lunch seating for parents. However, there will be a special area set aside for parents where they can enjoy complimentary refreshments while they watch their children enjoy lunch with Santa.

In addition, Santa’s Special Gift Shop will open from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at the church. There, all items are priced between 50 cents and $2 in order for the children to purchase inexpensive gifts for family and friends.