CRESTVIEW — Thousands attended the Main Street Crestview Association’s Christmas parade, themed "Christmas through the Decades,” to commemorate the city’s 100th anniversary.
The parade’s grand marshal was 102-year-old Vera Owens, who rode in a convertible at the head of the parade. Behind her were representatives of the Crestview police and fire departments. In keeping with the parade theme, participants were dressed in clothing from various decades in the 1900s.
A Minion Christmas float, floats with reindeer and Christmas trees, and an early 20th century doctor’s buggy were among the sights. Crestview companies represented, among others, included Crestview Wholesale, Wal-Mart, Dan’s Discount Jewelry and Pawn, Community Bank, and Crestview Rehab.
Other groups included Childcare Network 132 and 183, the 4-H Club, Crestview Teen Center, Boy Scout troops, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Laurel Hill and the Era Burgan Learning Center.
Crestview High School’s Big Red Machine and the Shoal River Middle School Band marched in the parade. The “Rockin’ Robots” Robotics Team from Bob Sikes Elementary was on a float along with their teacher and sponsor Dottie Holland. Northwood Elementary also had a float.
DeFuniak Springs residents Tommy and Mary Jane Sconiers enjoyed the parade with their granddaughter Lyla Rhodes, 1, and her mother, Rebecca.
The sights and sounds mesmerized LynnleeRae Peters, 1. She was there with her parents, Kayla and Ryan Peters.
Sam Chambliss, 2, ate a slice of pizza as he enjoyed the parade in his father’s arms. Sam is the son of Ben and Karah Chambliss. When asked what he wanted Santa Claus to bring him for Christmas he said, “A toy truck with a trailer and a dinosaur!”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Parade celebrates Crestview's 100th anniversary