CRESTVIEW — Cold weather couldn't keep area residents from attending Saturday night's annual Main Street Crestview Association Christmas Parade.
Several parade attendees, like Ralph Baker, came early for the event.
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"You have to get here early to get a good spot," he said.
Baker, who was waiting for family members to join him, said the parade seems to "get bigger and better each year."
"This is the only (Christmas) parade I come to," he said.
Families stood along the barricaded Main Street to see the parade while catching candy, beaded necklaces and other items.
Like in years past, the parade began with the loud sounds of fire engines from area fire departments and the flashing lights from local law enforcement vehicles.
In addition to several area schools with marching bands, cheerleaders and ROTC programs, local churches, non-profit organizations and area businesses displayed their floats during the parade.
Several Crestview Wholesale employees dressed like Santa's elves for their float.
"It's Santa's Workshop," owner William Rogers said. "It's definitely for the kids."
Ashley Ewalu, 9, joined fellow classmates on the Walker Elementary School student council. She said she was excited to throw candy in the parade.
Being on the other side of the barricades is just as fun, said 10-year-old Abby Moxcey.
"It was awesome… I enjoyed all of it," she said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents attend Christmas parade amid chilly weather