Otis Headley, general manager of The Vicksburg Post, has been chosen by the Vicksburg Jaycees as grand marshal of the 2000 Ernie Myers Memorial Christmas Parade.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday.

“We have been trying to pick community leaders for this,” said Jaycees president Steve Pranger.

He said the purpose of the Jaycees has always been leadership development. “This just goes along with what the Jaycees are all about.”

A native of Dothan, Ala., Headley has been general manager of The Vicksburg Post since 1976.

Since he has been in Vicksburg, Headley has served as president of the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of West Central Mississippi and the Vicksburg Rotary Club. He also served as chairman of the Warren County Airport Authority and as chairman of the Vicksburg-Tallulah Regional Airport Board.

Pranger said 65 units, 10 fewer than last year, will be in this year’s parade, which will roll along Washington Street from Belmont to Jackson Street.

“There is still room for a few more,” he said.

Units may begin taking their positions in the assembly area on Belmont Street at 10 a.m. The final check of the lineup will be made at 10:45.

Floats participating in the parade will be entered in the float contest. Awards will be presented to the best school float, best commercial or civic float, most original float and the best overall float. Judges will be stationed along the parade route.

Anyone needing additional information can contact Pranger at 638-3719 or 634-3706.