The Roanoke Valley Patriots will sponsor the Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade again this year,

“It's looks like we're going to have a Christmas parade,” Mayor Emery Doughtie said at tonight's council meeting. “It's not going to be until the middle of November that we find out if we're having one.”

The parade will be held December 4 at 2 p.m.

Pat Croisetiere said following the meeting several members of the organization asked about doing it again.

“We're not asking the city for any money,”  Croisetiere said.

The organization will be asking for donations and sponsorships from the community and businesses.

Doughtie has already agreed to sponsor a Shriners unit and McPherson Beverages has donated $500 for the parade grand marshal's professional float. “It's a good start,” she said. “We're going to need money for prizes. We'd like to get three or four more Shrine units. It's early enough we can do fundraisers.”

Anyone wanting to donate or needing more information can contact Croisetiere at 252-586-7258.

In other matters tonight:

Doughtie reads the resolution to the team.

Council honored the U-18 All-Stars with a resolution for the team winning this year's Eastern North Carolina State Championship and going on to win five straight games to become the league's first Babe Ruth Southeast Regional champion. The resolution honors head coach Billy Smith and assistant coaches Steve Heath and Mike Newsome as well as bat girl Meredith Wilson. The resolution also honors the players: Martha Fluharty, Emily Webb, Ashley Delbridge, Marisa Merriett, Morgan Heath, Stephanie Rose, Courtney Strickland, Kalie Smith, Anna Spragins, Bailey Robinson, Margaret Neville and Ashley Swayer.

Council rescinded a demolition order for 1802 Powell Street giving the owner, beginning September 1, 90 days to make significant progress and a year to complete renovations to the dwelling.