Grand Marshal James Spann led the Christmas spirit and holiday cheer into downtown Clanton during the 2010 Clanton Christmas Parade, organized by the Rotary Club of Chilton County.

Local citizens from the surrounding community lined the streets Friday night to collect candy and to view the numerous Christmas embellished floats.

“I just like the parade itself,” said Lloyd Godwin, a Clanton resident. “I love bringing my kids to the homecoming parades or any parade we have. It gives you the time to spend time with your kids; it’s all about the kids.”

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church took home the first place title for best float, Elite Salon took second place and the Padgett family won third place.

“My favorite part of the parade was watching the kids,” said Tammy Gentry. “Just going into the Christmas season and seeing the big smiles on the kids faces.”

Participants in the parade included: Stokes Automotive; Swedish Festival Queens; Peach Queens; Miss Chilton County Queens; Miss Alabama Agriculture; Chilton County Humane Society; many local fire departments, including Clanton Fire and Rescue; Miss YMCA; the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch; America Fitness and Health; Alacare Home and Health Hospice; and Hollywood Gardens just to name a few of the more than 60 entries in the parade.