More floats, bands and community groups than ever will appear in this year's Spirit of Christmas Parade on Friday.

More than 100 entrants will begin rolling, marching and riding at 10 a.m. in the 41st annual event.

Last year, about 80 groups participated. There were 71 entries the year before that.

This year's theme is "Christmas Wonderland." Sprint and The Butler Eagle are co-sponsoring the event.

Starting out the parade will be a police escort, color guard and sheriff's posse. Grand Marshall for the parade will be Bill Morgan.

The parade will set out going south on Main at Penn Street. The reviewing stand will be in front of Olsen and Associates, where each group will stop to give its routine.

Ron Vodenichar, general manager of The Butler Eagle, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Because the groups will set out from Penn Avenue and proceed south, Main Street between Pearl and Penn streets will be closed at 8:30 a.m. Main Street from Pearl south through Wayne Street will close at 9:30 a.m.

High school bands performing will include those from Butler, Moniteau, Karns City and Allegheny-Clarion Valley. The Flames and Flickers and Meridian Fife and Drum will also perform.

Three or four fire companies are expected.

New this year will be the addition of Mrs. Claus to Santa's sleigh. She will ride at the front of the sleigh and help the big guy hand out gift bags to children at Santa's house in Diamond Park after the parade.

All entrants will receive a framed certificate.

Community groups are eligible for cash awards for best overall, most original, best theme and best appearance.

Commercial entries will compete for a Best Commercial Float trophy, including a photo and article in The Butler Eagle.

Judging will be Geri Rees, Nancy Sutton and Kevin Fry.

Before the parade, Butler Eagle representatives will be handing out a special section of the newspaper that includes Santa letters and coloring contest entries.