This year marks the 39th annual Fall Festival in downtown Asheboro.

For almost as many years, the tradition of the Fall Festival parade has kicked off the beginning of this fun-filled weekend. This year will be no different.

As is the custom, the parade is going to be the Friday night before the festival at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30, in downtown Asheboro.

The parade will begin on Church Street and then take Sunset to S. Fayetteville Street before ending at Wainman Avenue.

The Fall Festival parade has always been free to enter and still will be this year. However, this year the Arts Guild will welcome a $5 donation from those who are able to give.

The money raised will go to help support the programs and efforts of the Guild. To register a float or group, call the Randolph Arts Guild at (336) 629-0399.

"All drivers in the parade must have a valid driver's license," says a spokesman. "Please have your driver's licence number ready when you call to register. The deadline is Sept. 27."

For more information, call the Randolph Arts Guild at (336) 629-0399 or email arts@asheboro.com.

The Guild is located at 123 Sunset Ave., Asheboro.