Santa waves at the crowd gathered for Montevallo’s annual Christmas Parade on Main Street.

Each year, the annual Montevallo Christmas Parade begins at the Montevallo fire station and strolls down to Main Street Tavern. The parade features members and supporters of the local community, recognizing those helping around town and allowing children to see Santa Claus before Christmas Day. This year’s parade featured more than 20 floats and supporting groups.

Before festivities began, a crowd of men, women and children lined the sides of the streets, anxious to see what this year’s parade had in store. Trustmark Bank offered hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and candy for anyone to keep warm and snack on. Vendors walked along Main Street to sell light-up toys and inflatable animals. Children walked around in their toboggan hats and mittens, some eager for candy and some hoping to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The parade started with “Grand Marshal” Freddie Falcon and continued with many businesses and organizations throughout the local and extended community. Even the Birmingham Barons’ Babe Ruff made an appearance.

Caitlin Walters, a four-year old at the parade says she has been to the last three parades so she could wave at Santa and get candy. Sure enough, each float had someone tossing candy and snacks to the crowds. “I enjoy bringing my children to these parades. Because Montevallo has their parade so early in the season, it’s not terribly cold outside. My kids are actually able to have a good time,” said Kat Walters, an attendee.

Each year, the community honors participants with different awards. This year, Best Theme went to Spring Creek Church due to their extensive chapel scene. Most Creative float was Wilton Baptist Church for an array of lights, a Candy Land look and children singing. The float winning Most Christmas Spirit was St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, set apart for their generous wrapped gifts handed out throughout the parade, along with their bags filled with sweet and savory goods.