NATCHEZ — Santa Claus isn’t a person, or an idea or even an institution — he’s a committee.

And Saturday, he’s coming to town.

The annual Santa Claus Committee parade will start at approximately 8:25 a.m. when the parade participants pick up Santa at the home of Bob Sizemore at 19 Homochitto St.

“This is something that everybody in Natchez has grown up with their entire lives, the Christmas Eve tradition of hearing the sirens and standing on the side of the road getting candy,” said Johnny Byrne, a long-time committee member.

“To be able to be involved in it is an honor and it is something I enjoy, getting together with a lot of guys who enjoy donating their time and money to worthy causes.”

The Santa Claus Committee got its start in Natchez in 1928, when a group of businessmen decided they wanted to ensure that even the less-fortunate local children have a happy Christmas.

The committee exists only for charitable purposes, and members pay yearly dues to participate in the parade. The money the committee raises is donated, and this year it will give nearly $12,000 to local charities.

Though the parade will have breaks throughout, including stops at the Natchez Children’s Home and the Braden School Auditorium to distribute the gifts from the Children’s Christmas Tree to children who might not otherwise receive a gift, it will last most of the day.

“I enjoy seeing the children’s faces when Santa gives them presents, and I always enjoy caroling at the (Natchez) Children’s Home,” Byrne said.

“You can look around and see the grown men singing along with the children, maybe see a few of them with tears in their eyes.”

After its 8:25 a.m. start, the parade will proceed through the Oakland, Brooklyn, Brookfield, Montebello, Eastbrook, Westover, Dunkerron, Highland, Roselawn and Glenwood subdivisions.

At 11:15 a.m., the parade will stop at the Braden School Auditorium for the distribution of the Children’s Christmas Tree gifts.

After a break for lunch, the parade will resume at 1 p.m., proceeding to the Natchez Children’s Home at 1:15 p.m.

At 2 p.m., the parade will leave the Children’s Home and travel through the Trees and Fatherland subdivisions.

All parade times are approximate.