Floats filled with folks wearing elf hats. National Guard troops waving as they tossed sweet treats from their trucks and Humvees. Percussionists playing holiday tunes.

All the traditional sights and sounds of Christmas in a small town were part of Georgiana's annual Christmas parade last Saturday.

The cool temperatures of the morning gave way to a balmy afternoon, allowing parade-goers to discard their jackets and sweaters.

Children with empty grocery bags lined the streets downtown, eager to collect some of the multitudes of candy tossed from parade vehicles and by marchers.

Some entrants also gave out beads to the parade-goers, a la Mardi Gras.

Several volunteer fire departments from the southern part of the county, including Brushey-Mashy Creek and Starlington, made their appearance in the parade. They were joined by ROTC units, local beauty queens, and even Smokey the Bear himself, reminding everyone of fire safety this holiday season.

Among the floats were entries from Long Creek C.C., Second Baptist Church, Georgiana Head Start and Camellia Communications.

Second Baptist Church also had a large and lively contingent of members sporting their church's red t-shirts and Santa hats marching in the parade.

Glenn King's vintage Alabama and Auburn trucks appeared once again in the parade. One of Santa's helpers, sporting Hollywood shades and his traditional red and white, was sighted riding in the back of the AU vehicle.

Motorcycles, ATVs and horses in Santa hats provided additional transportation for parade entrants.

The jolly old elf himself, Santa, arrived on the big red fire engine to close out the afternoon's festivities.