CLAYTON — For the first time in memory, the village will be lit up with fireworks in December.

For months, the village has been warming up for the holiday season that will feature lights, floats and fireworks at its 46th annual Christmas parade Saturday. Lance L. Peterson, who is organizing the parade with his wife, Karla M., said it will be a one-of-a-kind event.

"This is an inaugural event. Fireworks in December, that's pretty rare. We haven't had fireworks in this time of year, at least not in Clayton," Mr. Peterson said. "We wanted to make sure it was an extravaganza."

The theme for this year's parade is "Christmas in Lights." The parade will start at 5 p.m. on Webb Street, go down Riverside Drive and end on James Street by St. Mary's Catholic Church.

"We have more floats than we've ever had," Mr. Peterson said. "And a lot of floats are going to have music."

There were 15 parade floats registered at the Clayton Chamber of Commerce.

Immediately following the parade, which should finish about 6:30 p.m., there will be fireworks at the Frink site on Riverside Drive on the bank of the St. Lawrence River. This year's Christmas parade is sponsored by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Peterson's Painting and Karla's Christmas Shoppe.

The town, village and chamber also will host several events to celebrate the holidays. The village will hold a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in front of Key Bank on Riverside Drive.

On the same day, the Clayton Chamber of Commerce will host a Shoppers Poker Run fundraiser where 30 or more stores will hand out playing cards to their customers. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen M. Goetz said that because local shops are donating numerous prizes, even if someone ends up with a bad hand, he or she is likely to win something. Signs will be put up at participating businesses throughout the town. Awards will be handed out at 7 p.m. at O'Brien's Restaurant & Bar on Webb Street. The event will benefit the local food pantry.

The Town Council is hosting a Christmas decorating competition. Residents can register to enter the competition until Dec. 12 by going to the town Web site. Judging will be Dec. 15 to 19. The Town Council will award "secret prizes" to the three best Christmas light decoration efforts. Pictures of the top three will be posted on the town's Web site Dec. 22.