Goshen residents turned out to kick off the Christmas season Friday night.

The third annual Christmas Parade began at 6 p.m., and the parade’s theme was “Christmas Memories.”

Parade participants ranged from the Eaglette Twirlers to the Goshen football team and cheerleaders to churches, businesses and local volunteer fire departments.

The Goshen High School Band entertained event goers to the Christmas favorite “Angels We Have Heard on High.”

Goshen Mayor Jack Waller said he was pleased with the turnout and the parade.

“It was great. I thought there were a lot of good floats,” Waller said.

And it was clear Waller was glad he wasn’t a judge.

“I don’t know how our judges will pick a winner,” Waller said.

But, pick a winner is what the judges did.

“Fleetwood Baptist Church won first place, God’s Way Baptist Church won second place and Goshen Methodist Church won third place,” Waller said.

Best entries received a cash prize, according to Town Clerk Traci Shaver.

“First place will receive $100, second place $75 and third place $50,” Shaver said.

Ushering in Christmas is something Goshen residents put a lot of effort into.

Prior to the parade, was a camp stew supper made by Councilman Carter Sanders.

But, there were also other refreshments outside town hall, which included burgers and pizza. There was also a camp stew cook off at 4:30 p.m. The winner of the cook off was Lucy Griffin.

Waller also presented a certificate to Goshen Elementary School student Emily Walker, who designed the annual Christmas T-shirts.

She won the design contest for students in kindergarten through third grade.

“These shirts are beautiful,” Waller said.

Walker was excited her design won. “I just thought of it in my head and just drew it,” Walker said. “I’m very excited my design won.” Second place in the design contest went to Will Snyder and third place winner was Graham Massey.

Event-goers said they enjoyed the parade.

“We enjoyed the parade,” said Teresa Garner of Troy. “We come every year.”

Goshen Elementary School teacher Jessica Walker said she usually attends the parade.

“I thought the parade was wonderful and marvelous,” Walker said. “I usually bring the children and they really enjoy it.”

After the parade, the community could play bingo at Town Hall.

“I really like playing bingo,” Garner said.

Christmas is widely known as the season for giving, and in Goshen it was no different. Toys for Tots kicked off in Goshen Friday night. “We have locations at Town Hall and Goshen Elementary School,” said organizer Michelle Taylor. “Anyone can reach me at 484-3442.”

And a table for monetary donations and donations of pop-tops for three-year-old Erin Brynn (E.B.) Johnson who is hospitalized.