Winchester will officially usher in the Christmas season with the annual parade Saturday along Main Street.

This year, the parade will celebrate all the makers in the community, Main Street Winchester Executive Director Rachel Alexander said. The theme is “The HeART of Christmas.”

“From artists to writers to chefs to farmers to homemakers, we applaud everyone who uses their hands and heart to make the world a little better, a little more beautiful and a little more special,” Alexander said. “It’s a wonderful time to think about the many talented people in our community who give their gifts from the heart.”

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Depot Street and travel towards South Main Street.

Holly VanMeter, a local artist, will serve as grand marshal. She will ride upon a float she designed along with Mason Rhodus, owner of Mason, an antique and floral shop on Main Street.

“Holly has her own studio and gallery located in a historic carriage house once owned by her great-grandfather,” Alexander said. “Holly works primarily with watercolors, but also uses pastels, pencils, inks and sometimes incorporated collage techniques into her paintings.”

VanMeter’s work has been exhibited all over the world, Alexander said.

In addition to VanMeter’s float, there will be about 40 other entries, which is comparable with previous years, she said. Santa Claus will be carried into town on Winchester Fire-EMS’s brand new truck.

A panel of volunteer judges from the Winchester Art Guild will judge the entries.

“A few of the businesses downtown will be some fun things in conjunction with the parade,” Alexander said. “Follow Downtown Winchester on Facebook to keep track of those.”

The parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Saturday,  is sponsored for the first time this year by the Harold G. Epperson VFW Post 2728.

“It’s going to be a beautiful day,” Alexander said. “You really won’t be able to beat a 45-degree Christmas parade. I think we’ll have some really interesting entries this year, and it’s always great to see Santa arrive in Winchester.”