Statesville Christmas parade brings out a crowd - and Santa Claus

Photo byKim McKinney

Though the skies were a bit gray, and the weather a little chilly, it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon for the Statesville Christmas Parade, an event that has delighted young and old for generations.

Photo byKim McKinney

The parade began at the Statesville Civic Center at around 3:00 p.m. and marched down Center Street to Statesville Senior High.

Photo byKim McKinney

A large crowd surrounded the parade route, at least four generations strong. Some have been attending these parades since childhood.

Photo byKim McKinney

Bands and beauty queens, school groups, church groups and businesses, dance groups and ROTC cadets, floats, motorcycles, classic cars, fire engines, and horses. The young and old, dressed in their pageant best, in pajamas, or in costumes that run the gamut from festive to funny to the spiritual and traditional. The parade has it all.

Photo byKim McKinney

The high school bands marched, swayed, and danced as they played holiday music to the enthusiastic crowd.

Photo byKim McKinney

Some groups passed out treats to the children watching, and the young at heart.

Photo byKim McKinney

Weather cooperated so that hot air balloons were able to fly over both ends of the route, adding their special Statesville signature to the event. How many other communities have parades taking place on both the ground and in the sky?

Photo byKim McKinney

Photo byKim McKinney

There was the serious message of the nativity, the reminder not to be a Grinch, and a lot of sweet smiles, waves, and choruses of “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays”.

Photo byKim McKinney

Santa Claus, rode on the fire truck at the end of the parade, waving to young and old.

The perch gave him a great view to make notes for his naughty and nice list as he went through the town. We heard from an inside source the Statesville nice list is leading at the moment. Are you doing your part?

Photo byKim McKinney

The Statesville parade is sponsored by the 30th Masonic District of North Carolina.

Photo byPhoto by Kim McKimney

There is nothing like a parade to put smiles on faces and get that holiday spirit in gear. This was another exceptional effort not only by the Masons, but Statesville area residents who get involved and work hard to make the city smile as they relax and watch this annual festive procession.

Did you attend the parade? Share your favorite moments in the comments.

Photo byKim McKinney