Final preparations are under way to once again turn the familiar sights of Cole Street into Whoville for the annual Christmas Parade.

This year’s parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec.1

This is the third year the annual parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Treat’s Heating and Cooling, is carrying the “Whoville” theme, based on the town in the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Chamber Executive Director Kelvin Schipper said the Chamber was looking for lasting theme a few years ago and settled on “Whoville” to highlight the downtown’s small-town holiday feel.

Plus, the theme makes the parade floats and costume contests even more enjoyable.

“We get a bunch of Cindy Lou’s and Grinches and that’s been fun,” Schipper said.

Once again this year, awards will be given ou for floats in the following categories: Most Chriostmas Spirit, Best treat giveaway, “Grinch-iest” and best overall Whoville theme.

Also on tap is a battle of the bands, featuring local high schools competing for a $700 top prize, $200 second-place prize and a $100 prize for third place.

The Battle of the Bands is sponsored by Enumclaw Self Storage.

And as always, the goal of the parade is to get shoppers into the city’s downtown core to see the businesses, many of which are new since the last parade, and hopefully do some Christmas shopping.

“We just want everybody to shop downtown,” Schipper said.

For more information, call the Chambver at 360-825-7666 or visit www.enumclawchamber.com.