Storybooks are as much a part of the bedtime ritual on the night before Christmas as cookies and milk for Santa.

Whether it's Rudolph, the misfit reindeer who found a critical position perfect for him, the endearing poem about the sleigh on the front lawn or the Bible's story of Luke, a good read is a real part of Christmas.

Casperites will get an early dose of the holiday spirit on Saturday as story books come to life in the 18th annual Casper Christmas Parade.

"It's a Story Book Christmas" starts at 6 p.m., and winds its way through downtown Casper. The parade is organized by the Downtown Merchants & Professionals Association.

Parade categories include decorated float, decorated automobile, children, decorated vehicle, equestrian, horse drawn and walking group/band. The winner in each category wins $100 and the grand prize winner will receive $500.

More than 50 entries are scheduled to participate this year, and 90 percent of those are floats, according to chairman Lory Palm of the DMPA.

"The big Halliburton trucks are back, and the little boys just love those," Palm said. "They are massive, and I'm going to let them decide how they'll get around the corners."

Since the parade officially kicks off the local Christmas season and is at night, entrants are asked to adorn their floats or vehicles with lights.

"Otherwise, nobody will see them," Palm said.

Parents are reminded that the forecast is for very chilly temperatures on Saturday night, so little ones should be dressed warmly. And parade entries are allowed to throw candy, so parents should be extra vigilant about their children's whereabouts.

Santa is, of course, the guest star of the parade and will arrive in a sled provided by Casper 4-H at the end of the parade.

Free hot chocolate and cookies are provided by downtown merchants at numerous locations along the route, including:

* First and Center (manned by the Salvation Army);

* First and Wolcott (First Interstate Bank);

* Second and Durbin (First United Methodist Church);

* Second Street at MC Market (MC Market);

* Second and Center (American Red Cross); and

* The Wonder Bar (Pat Sweeney & the Parkway Plaza).

Portable bathrooms are available during the parade at First and Center, by Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, the parking garage and the Rialto Theater.

In other holiday news, the downtown merchants will sponsor a free movie, "Polar Express," for children on Dec. 13. There are three showings at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., at the Fox Theatre. Santa and his helpers will be there after the movie to pass out a special Christmas treat to all the children.

Reach community news editor at Sally Ann Shurmur at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com

If you go

What:Downtown parade

When: 6 p.m., Saturday

Where: From A and Center, south on Center, east on First, south on Durbin, west on Second, south on Center to Collins.