FOLEY, Ala. — Christmas may still be months away, but the city of Foley is already preparing for the holidays — and for a small but meaningful change to one of its most beloved traditions.
The Foley City Council has approved the purchase of nine new reindeer to pull Santa’s sleigh at the city’s annual Christmas Parade, replacing figures that have been part of the celebration for 45 years.
A recommendation from the beautification board
On Aug. 20, 2026, the council gave the green light to the new reindeer purchase following a recommendation from the Foley Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board. The board reviewed the condition of the current reindeer — now 45 years old — and determined that replacements were needed.
The parade, organized by the Foley Kiwanis Club, features a float carrying Santa Claus in a sleigh pulled by nine reindeer. The team represents the traditional eight from “The Night Before Christmas,” plus Rudolph.
‘A cherished tradition’
Brenda Shambo, the city’s liaison to the Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board, spoke to council members about the importance of preserving the tradition.
“The Foley Christmas Parade is the city’s only Christmas parade and a cherished tradition that brings families, businesses, schools, and community organizations together,” she said. “The Kiwanis reindeer have become a familiar and beloved part of that tradition. New reindeer would allow us to continue creating these special memories for children and families for many years to come.”
Preserving the originals
Rather than retire the original reindeer for good, the city and the Kiwanis Club are developing plans to honor them. Officials hope to display the figures in a museum or another public venue to recognize their long role in Foley’s Christmas celebrations.
Part of a busy holiday weekend
The Christmas Parade anchors a full weekend of holiday events in Foley. Other festivities typically held that weekend include Christmas in the Park, the lighting of the Foley Christmas Tree and the city’s Let It Snow event. The city also hosts a Christmas tree decoration contest, with winners announced on the Friday evening before the Saturday parade.