LINDEN &8212; The city is still seeking entries for its First Annual Christmas Chili Cook-off, which is being held in conjunction with their Second Annual Christmas Parade of Lights, &8220;Christmas Caroling in the Night,&8221; on Dec. 7.

While some chili cook-offs might be in search of the most unusual recipe, perhaps one that uses chocolate or an unexpected spice, Bruce Ward, city clerk, said this cook-off is in search of &8220;the best chili there is.&8221;

According to Ward, those interested can come by city hall to fill out the entry form and there is no entry fee. All forms must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 30 at the latest.

Furthermore, the chili can be assembled at the cook-off site &8212; the J.W. Creel Fire Station on Highway 28 &8212; or it can be made ahead of time for tasting.

The three judges entrusted with determining the best chili entry will be Rep. A.J. McCampbell, Audrey Haskins and Daryl Jones.

The chili cook-off was intended to be a part of last year&8217;s holiday festivities, but it never panned out, Ward said.

When asked about the choice of chili over some other kind of cooking contest, Ward said, &8220;It&8217;s something good to have for the cold weather.&8221;

Later that day, the holiday festivities will continue with the parade kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Already two marching bands &8212;Marengo County High School and Sumter County High School &8212;have committed to being in the parade, Ward said. The grand marshals for the parade will be Auburn University&8217;s mascot &8220;Aubie&8221; and The University of Alabama&8217;s mascot &8220;Big AL.&8221;

Other participants in the parade include squad cars from the Linden Police Department, two trucks from the Linden Fire Department, Marengo County Rescue Squad, Twin Rivers Riding Club, the Demopolis High School JROTC color guard and drill team, Marengo Academy cheerleaders and the WIN 98.5 truck.

Just a few of the floats and their themes are Robertson Banking Company, &8220;Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer;&8221; Marengo Academy Class of 1981, &8220;Santa Baby (Hurry Down the Chimney Tonight);&8221; Cornerstone Church, &8220;I&8217;ll Be Home for Christmas;&8221; Sweet Water State Bank, &8220;Jingle Bells;&8221; Marengo County Technology Center, &8220;Tis the Real Reason for the Season;&8221; First Bank of Linden, &8220;Rocking Around the Christmas Tree;&8221; Linden High School, &8220;Frosty the Snow Man;&8221; Linden&8217;s youth advisory board, &8220;Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer;&8221; Carpet Alley, &8220;Blue Christmas;&8221; St. Peter Baptist Church, &8220;Joy to the World;&8221; Little Drugs, &8220;Winter Wonderland;&8221; Thomaston Baptist Church, &8220;Silent Night;&8221; Papa&8217;s Foods, &8220;O&8217; Come All Ye Faithful;&8221; Caraustar, &8220;O Christmas Tree;&8221; Pam&8217;s; &8220;Redneck Christmas;&8221; and Dixon Furniture, &8220;Let it Snow.&8221;

For more information contact Bruce Ward at 334-295-5051 ext. 1.