Thursday night&8217;s cold weather did nothing to dampen the festive spirit in Montevallo as folks enjoyed the Christmas parade and sidewalk party.

Excited children gathered the candy thrown by people riding in the holiday floats and with great anticipation they watched for the arrival of Santa.

Leading the parade were the Montevallo High School Marching Troubadours.

Then, Mayor Sharon Anderson and City Council members waved from slow-moving convertibles behind the band.

Along came more than 50 floats bearing holiday decorations and laughing-singing passengers.

The floats represented churches, businesses, the University of Montevallo athletic teams, Montevallo public schools, Shelby Academy and other organizations.

Homecoming queens and cheerleaders sang out greetings from the back seats of some of the convertibles.

Dogwood Grove Church won Best Overall in the float competition. Wilton Baptist won for the Best Theme.

The Most Christmas Spirit award went to Wilton Bible Baptist and the Most Creative to Upper Room Church. Trophies were presented to the winners.

Santa Claus arrived in a sleigh at the very end of the parade.

He rode up to Spiller Furniture where he greeted throngs of jubilant children.

As they sat on his lap, he listened to their Christmas wishes while pictures were made to mark this first-of-the season meeting with Santa.

Merchants opened their doors to the spectators.

Their windows were already decorated for the holiday and many of them served snacks and warm drinks.

The Gamma Phi-Delta Sorority local chapter served hot chocolate and candy from a table set up on the sidewalk.

The event was sponsored by the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce.

Betty Haynie, of the Chamber, remarked, &8220;This might not have been the largest crowd ever, but a remarkable number of people braved the weather and seemed to have a wonderful time.&8221;

It is estimated that this is the 30th annual Montevallo Christmas parade sponsored by the Chamber.

Ben McCrory, Chamber President, said, &8220;We are proud of the fact that the parade gets bigger and better every year.&8221;

Catherine Legg can be reached by e-mail at mailto:clegg2@bellsouth.net.