NATCHEZ — Candy throwing Santa Claus Committee members are slated to escort the man selected to be Santa Claus’ helper around Natchez today in the annual Santa Claus Parade.

The parade starts at 8:15 a.m. with the escorting of Sessions Brown to the first of several stops on the route.

The group will start at Fatherland Subdivision and Montebello Subdivision then head to the subdivisions of Eastbrook/Westover, Dunkerron, Highland, The Trees, Roselawn and Glenwood.

The group is scheduled to arrive at Braden School auditorium at 11:15 a.m. to pass out presents to children ages 1-10.

The day will draw to a close with the committee stopping at Oakland, Brooklyn and Brookfield subdivisions.

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

The committee exists only for charitable purposes, and members pay yearly dues to participate in the committee’s annual parade, which is on Christmas Eve.