Droves of people descended on downtown Troy last Monday night to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with the Annual City of Troy Christmas Parade.

 

This year’s parade had more than more than 80 entrants from groups as diverse as Troy University’s Sound of the South marching band, the City of Troy Utilities Department and Miss and Little Miss National Peanut Festival.

 

The parade route began on Elm Street, wrapped around the Square, and ended by the Pike County Courthouse. Crowds packed both sides of the street along the parade route, and participants in the parade handed out candy to the assembled crowd. Santa Claus even made an appearance at the end of the parade, riding in a fire truck instead of his normal sleigh.

 

Following the parade, a tree-lighting ceremony was held on the Square. Rev. Roland Austin welcomed everyone to the event and said a few words to begin the ceremony. “As we gather to herald in the birth of our savior, we must remember that He has been here the whole time,” Austin said. “The Bible says that Jesus was there in the beginning and that he will endure until the end. We invite you here to celebrate the birth of our lord and savior.”

 

Troy Mayor Jason Reeves also shared a few words with the gathered crowd. “I am so grateful to be may of a community that values faith, family and Christmas the way that Troy does,” Reeves said. “This is what being a small town community is all about. We appreciate all the hard work that the employees of the City of Troy have put in to make this event possible. I want to wish you all a merry, merry Christmas.”

 

Following Mayor Reeves’ speech, the community counted down from 10 in anticipation of the lighting of the Christmas tree on the Square.

 

When the crowd’s count reach zero, the tree was lit and festive music began playing.

 

Afterwards, children were able to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

 

The Troy Utilities Department was named the winner of the parade’s float contest.

 

The Troy Executive Department placed second, while the Troy Public Works Department placed third.