Story by: Angel Sarris

The Montevallo Chamber of Commerce hosted the city’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting on December 2nd. It is estimated that this parade marked 45 years of the tradition. 

Businesses and university students spent the week prior to the parade decorating store fronts and painting windows in preparation for the competitions held every year for best decorations. 

There are four categories that include best overall, most creative, most Christmas spirit, and best theme. Trustmark Bank won best overall in the window decorating competition. The winner was announced just before the countdown for the tree lighting began. 

Hundreds of spectators lined the streets of Montevallo to watch the parade. Volunteers from churches and small businesses in Montevallo were handing out hot chocolate and apple cider to help viewers stay warm. 

There were many participants in the parade, including the Montevallo High Schools marching band who played Christmas classics while marching through the city and local news stations like 102.5 The Bull. The University of Montevallo’s own Freddie the Falcon featured in the parade in addition to some of the university’s athletic teams.