A new twist to Santa’s appearance in Hartselle’s Christmas parade caught thousands of onlookers by surprise Thursday night.

Instead of riding atop the city’s Number #1 fire engine as he usually does, he rode in his own custom-made sled. As he waved greetings and shouted “Merry Christmas” to people lining both sides of Main Street, a snow machine at the rear of the sled pumped snowflakes into the chilly night air. Children jumped up and down in the shower of snow and quickly scooped up handfuls of candy, which was scattered on the street by a team of Santa elves.

The parade, said by some to be the city’s biggest ever, consisted of more than 75 separate units and lasted for more than an hour. More than 20 handmade floats competed for cash prizes, Hartselle High School and Hartselle Junior High School bands played as they marched, a dozen fire trucks and emergency response vehicles blared sirens and whistles as they rolled by and an18-wheel tractor-trailer truck with Wal-Mart signs somehow got caught up in the middle of the procession.

The parade was led by Staff Sergeant Ryan Morgan who served as grand marshal.

Floats sponsored by two churches and a girl Scout troop were judged a ward winner and received cash prizes totaling more than $500.

McKendree United Methodist Church entered the first place float. It consisted of a live manger scene with two angels observing from high perches and a live military encampment.

Second and third place awards went to First Assembly of God and Girl Scout Troop 633, respectively.