KILLEEN (December 4, 2012)--The annual Killeen Christmas parade will celebrate its 50th anniversary Saturday and other holiday activities are also planned.

The parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Avenue D and 2nd Street. It will head down 4th Street and on to 8th Street before winding around and heading down 2nd Street to end at the Killeen Police Department.

The parade lineup will be along W. Avenue E.

Brenda Coley will serve as grand marshal and Major General Anthony Ierardi will serve as co-marshal.

This year has brings in more than 150 parade entries, a city spokesperson said.

Parking will be sparse and spectators are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

New this year is the Holiday Hoopla. Activities leading up to the parade will begin with the screening of “A Christmas Story” at 1 p.m. and Merry, Merry Market Days at the Green Avenue Farmers Market at 2 p.m.

Pictures with Santa will get underway from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. in Clements Auditorium.

After the parade, a concert featuring Malachi Cohen, star of Nick Toon’s NFL-Rush Zone, will begin at 7:30 p.m. and special guests, the Veggie Pals will be part of the fun.

Holiday activities will take place at the Killeen Arts & Activities Center at 802 N. 2nd St.