By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Columbiana got in the Christmas spirit Thursday night, thanks to the city’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting.

More than 1,000 people lined Main Street for the annual parade, which was proceeded with festive music.

Pre-parade festivities began at 6:15 p.m., with the parade at 7.

The parade lasted 35 minutes and included fire trucks, police cars, antique cars, beauty queens, various city organizations and, of course, Santa.

Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe emceed the parade for the corner of Main and College streets, where the city’s Christmas tree was lit.

Downtown Columbiana provided a beautiful backdrop for the festivities, with Christmas lights and decorations displayed on most businesses.

Lowe credited Councilwoman Ouida Mayfield with organizing the parade, with help from Fire Chief Johnny Howard and Police Chief Lamar Vick.