Santa brings cheer to 20th annual parade

A gala street parade, highlighted by Santa’s arrival on a fire truck, formally opened the Christmas season in Priceville Saturday afternoon.

Sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, the 20th annual parade was led by Priceville High School’s JROTC cadets, beginning on North Bethel Road and winding through residential neighborhoods before it reached its destination at Highway 67.

Hundreds of townspeople lined roadways on both sides to view the colorful floats, musicians and dancers and grab handfuls of candy as it was thrown in their direction.

Santa’s arrival added much excitement to the event as he rode atop the town’s No. #1 fire engine and waved and shouted merry Christmas to those standing below.

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“We could not have asked for better weather,” said Mayor Melvin Duran. “It’s good to see so many people out here enjoying themselves. The parade is great as always. Our desire is that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Christ.s”

“We’ve been doing this for 15 years,”, said Mike and Mary Jane Warner. “It’s our 15 minutes of glory.”

The Warners rode in their 1929 Mercedes Benz roadster and brought strings of Mardi Gras beads instead of candy to give paradegoers.

Angela Wallace, Leisa Horton, Roberta Stephens and Janice Cross displayed photos of their military sons as they rode on the Blue Star Mothers float.

Judges awarded first place in the float competition to American Legion Post 15 for its entry, “Giving the Gift of Freedom.”

Cub Scouts from Pack 275 won second place and Ark Baptist Church won third for its entry titled “Sugarland.”