Franklin’s Christmas parade and lamp-lighting ceremony will jumpstart the Christmas season tonight, at 6 p.m.

Line-up for the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the corner of Jackson and Main Streets.

The parade has some special guests in addition to the Lamplighters, including the local veterans and ladies auxiliary. The lamp-lighting ceremony will also feature the Asbury United Methodist Church Choir and the Franklin Senior High School Marching Band.

There will be fun for the whole family, including trolley rides to view the Christmas decorations and funnel cakes and hot chocolate that will be sold by Chez Hope.

“You can attend the parade and lamp-lighting ceremony, see Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy a trolley ride all before halftime of the Saints game,” Community Development Director Arlana Shields noted.

Here’s another clue to the identity of the Lamplighters: This year’s Lamplighters have initiated over 100 members.