Nov. 6, 2009 (United Press International) -- Recording artist John Rich has agreed to serve as grand marshal for the 57th annual Nashville Christmas Parade, organizers said.

Presented by Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE:PNY) , the event is intended to benefit Piedmont's Share the Warmth Round Up program, as well as to kick off the holiday season in downtown Nashville.

The festivities are to take place Dec. 4.

"Piedmont Natural Gas is proud to continue this Nashville holiday tradition. This is the 57th straight year for the Nashville Christmas parade and the people of Nashville and all of Middle Tennessee have enjoyed and supported the parade with huge turnouts every year," Tim Greenhouse, regional executive of Piedmont Natural Gas, said in a statement. "We are especially excited to have John Rich join us as grand marshal in support of the Share the Warmth Round Up program."

Rich called it an honor to lead the parade and said he was proud to support the Share the Warmth Round Up program.

"There is no more basic need than helping our neighbors stay warm this winter and by donating just a few cents a month, we can make that happen," Rich said. "This parade will showcase the best that Music City has to offer and spotlight a great cause. I can't wait to kick it off! Can I get a YeeHaw?"