The 2012 Spirit of Christmas Lighted parade organized by Southside Church drew thousands to Downtown Brownwood on Thursday night to see the beautifully decorated floats, vehicles, marching bands, costumed characters, and horses.
Southside Church has orchestrated the parade for the past four years with over 150 volunteers working the parade. The parade had over 100 entries this year with 1800 participants involved. It concluded with an appearance by Santa Claus riding on a Brownwood fire truck. There were an estimated 3500 people watching the parade Thursday night.
KTAB News broadcasted their 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts live from the parade area and featured interviews about the upcoming Christmas Under the Stars Festival. KTAB also recorded the parade and will rebroadcast it again this weekend.
The parade was just the start of a weekend of fun as the Christmas Under the Stars Festival is set run Friday and Saturday at the Depot Complex from 4-8 PM each night. That event will also feature photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a variety of competitions, kid’s activities, live entertainment by local talent and much more. Visit BrownwoodChamber.org for more info on the festival.
Parade award winners Thursday night include:
Candy Cane award: Best use of Christmas Colors – Brownwood Evangelism Center
Toy Soldier Award: Best Marching Band – Brownwood High School Band
Grand Marshal Award – CMS Health Care
Rudolph Award: Best Use of Lights – T.R. Havins Unit
Christmas Angel Award: Best Non-Profit – Brown County Child Welfare Board
The Grinch Award – Victory Life Academy
Santa’s Sleigh Award: Best Classic/Historic Car – Touch of Faith Massage and Spa Therapy, 1928 Model T Truck
Mayor’s Choice Award – Encompass Home Health
Spirit of Christmas Award – Christ is the Answer Ministries
Santa’s Reindeer: Best Novelty Entry: Alvis Eoff, 1950 Ford Winch Truck
Click the photo gallery below for over 200 photos of this year’s Spirit of Christmas Lighted Parade from the start and middle of the route.
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