MACON, Ga. — The Warner Robins Christmas Parade is a tradition the city has celebrated for the last 75 years, but the parade is going to see some changes this year.
A ribbon cutting at Rigby's Water World came with a big announcement Thursday afternoon.
Santa came with the Robins Regional Chamber, who've organized the annual Warner Robins Christmas Parade for years. Now, they're passing the torch to Rigby's Entertainment Complex and Rigby's Water World.
"We hope to be one of the biggest parades ever," said Rigby.
The water park's owner, Steve Rigby, says the switch in ownership also comes with a parade route change.
The parade will now start on Cohen Walker Drive at Central Georgia Technical College and end on Karl Drive at the entertainment complex.
Mayor Randy Toms says the city will continue to support the parade with things like security.
"Change is difficult for people, and so when you first hear it and you say, 'Oh, my gosh, is that going to work?' but I think it's going to be a great deal," said Toms.
April Bragg with the chamber says they refined their mission and thought Rigby's would be best as new leadership of the parade.
"The same week of the parade our leadership is in Washington D.C. advocating for Robins Air Force Base and the economy of middle Georgia," said Bragg.
She says people living in Warner Robins can rest assured the Christmas tradition will continue to thrive for more than one reason under Rigby's sponsorship.
"A business who has stood the test of time, has made tremendous private investments in our community," said Bragg.
The parade is scheduled for Dec. 7. More than 15,000 people come to the parade each year.