By: John Limbaugh
Every year downtown Montevallo becomes a scene out of a Christmas movie around this time, and the City of Montevallo Chamber of Commerce made no exception this year at the annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony. Residents lined Main Street on Thursday, Dec.1 at 6 pm. to witness the event. The tree lighting ceremony was conducted by Stanley and Joe Dawson on the Post office lawn before the parade.
JQ’s One Man Swing Band kicked off the parade with Christmas music at the intersection of Wadsworth and Main street and led the parade for five blocks, where it would end at Shelby street.
Every year school organizations, small businesses, churches and local families design unique Christmas themed floats and ride them in the parade as part of contest. Participants compete for a trophy in four categories: Best Overall, Most Creative, most Christmas Spirit and Best Theme.
This year the St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church won the award for Best Overall. The float featured a full nativity scene, several llamas and a goat.
Students at the University of Montevallo walked to Main street to view the spectacle for themselves and have an hour of fun before finals weeks.
“I had to get out of my dorm for a while, so I went to El Agave and now I’m here.” Georgia Jones, a student at the University, said. Georgia said that her favorite float was the Grinch themed float.
“I relate to him,” she said. “He’s sassy, he does his own thing, he’s a recluse and I’m a recluse.”
The parade featured over 50 floats including the Montevallo Fire Department, The Motnevallo High School marching band, Several university organizations, The Montevallo Methodist and First Baptists Churches, several dance groups, a few local businesses and more.
Anyone interested in participating in next year’s parade can fill out a registration packet at City Hall or on their website.
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