The Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that retiring Jasper County Sheriff Mike Balmer will be the grand marshal for the 2012 Lighted Christmas Parade.

“Sheriff Balmer has served us for 38 years and he has certainly ridden in his share of community parades over the years,” said Jason Lauterbach, Newton Chamber board chair. “It’s fitting to honor him in the last official parade of his career as our sheriff.”

The parade will take place immediately after the lighting of the Christmas lights on the Jasper County Courthouse at 6 p.m. Friday. The deadline to sign up for the parade is noon Wednesday. A registration form including more details on the festivities can be found at www.experiencenewton.com.