The crowd is growing each year at Maplesville’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The third annual event Saturday had the atmosphere of a small town, but the holiday spirit was anything but small.

“Everyone enjoyed the afternoon, visiting with old friends, classmates and family,” Mayor Kurt Wallace said. “The Maplesville Fire Department did an outstanding job organizing this event. Special thanks to Christine Epperson and all the fire department members, police officers and town workers who made this a special small town Christmas.”

The festivities began at 3 p.m. with approximately 12 vendors. There were hotdogs, boiled and fried peanuts, cakes and candies, coffee and apple cider, purses, monogrammed accessories, ornaments, framed monogrammed pictures and other items for sale. The fire department was giving sleigh rides for the children and young at heart. Pictures with Santa were made in the library.

Entertainment was provided by Eternal Destination, Will Langford and family and the Maplesville High School Band.

At 5 p.m., Wallace with the assistance of Sheriff Kevin Davis lit the town Christmas tree.

Leading the parade at 6 p.m. were Mayor Wallace and Police Chief Todd Ingram, Sheriff Kevin Davis, Rep. Cam Ward, the Chilton County Peach Queens, and, of course, Santa Claus. There were about six floats, lots of four-wheelers, motorcycles, an antique car, horses and fire trucks.

Winners of the float contest were Head Start No. 1 (first place), Vicki’s Dance Studio (second place) and Head Start No. 2 (third place).

Winners of the home decorating contest were Johnathan and Julie Johnson (first place), Donald and Faye Gay (second place) and Tony and Connie Cochran (third place).