The largest crowd in the 20-year history of the Brundidge Christmas Parade lined Main Street for the parade and then made its way to the grounds of the historic Bass House for the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

Mayor Jimmy Ramage led the countdown and not one, but three Christmas trees, blinked “Merry Christmas” as the crowd cheered the coming of the Christmas season.

“A wonderful night,” Ramage said of the Christmas celebration. “I can remember my excitement as a little boy when the ‘Christmas lights’ were turned on for the first time. They are same lights that my grandchildren enjoy today.”

Ramage said the city likes to keep Christmas simple and special.

“We do that with our historic string lights and with our other decorations that have been a part of Christmas in Brundidge for 45 years or more,” he said.

The lighting of the Community Christmas tree and the Christmas songs sung by the young students at Pike County Elementary School were highlights of the Christmas event.

“We want our students to be involved in the community,” said Anita Grant, PCES principal. “Being a part of the Christmas Parade and the activities following was a way for them to do that and a way for them to give back to the community.”

Chuck Caraway, president of the sponsoring Brundidge Business Association, said having children involved is what Christmas is all about.

“Hopefully, our Christmas Parade will become a tradition for them,” he said. “It has been a great night and I want to thank all of those who were part of the success of our annual Christmas Parade.”

Lamar Steed, parade chair, said the parade and the crowd were the biggest ever.

“It’s been a big night and a fun night,” he said. “It was good to see so many people here and enjoying themselves. I can’t say enough about those that worked so hard to make this the best Christmas Parade ever. I want to thank all of those participated in the parade and all of those who came to be a part of it. It was a special night in Brundidge.