LIBERTY — The lights, the floats, the dancers and costumes. The cider and hot chocolate, the carolers and a visit by the big man in red himself. It’s official — Christmas has come to Liberty.

On Saturday, the city of Liberty rang in the holiday season with the annual Christmas parade and tree lighting.

Children darted out into the street to snatch up handfuls of candy tossed out by the marchers as the different floats decorated with festive lights and tinsel cruised down Commerce Street.

“It’s him! It’s him!” one little boy screamed and pointed as Santa Claus appeared at the end of the parade, having swapped his reindeer and sleigh for a firetruck.

The parade was immediately followed by the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. Carolers from Rice Creek Baptist Church serenaded the crowd as kids lined up to get a photo with the Jolly Ol’ Elf and whisper in his ear what they wished for this Dec. 25.

Liberty Mayor Eric Boughman explained that the lack of holiday lights on the poles along Commerce Street was due to the construction renovation project.

“There is no electrical wiring on Commerce Street … This is why we were unable to have the Christmas lights on those poles this year. It would have been ideal to have had all these lights up for the parade, but this is a necessary step to complete these projects, and we believe you’ll see that it was worth it when the projects are complete,” said Boughman.

“We look forward to showing off a brand new Commerce Street in the spring, and to having downtown lit back up for the holidays next year,” he added. “In the meantime, we appreciate your understanding that these are necessary inconveniences. We hope that you will enjoy the city Christmas tree in Pedestrian Park, which is lit each night, and all of the custom ornaments created by our city residents. Merry Christmas!”

On Saturday, the city of Liberty rang in the holiday season with the annual Christmas parade and tree lighting.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_030.jpgOn Saturday, the city of Liberty rang in the holiday season with the annual Christmas parade and tree lighting. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

“Merry Christmas!”
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_042.jpg“Merry Christmas!” Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Christmas has come to Liberty.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_043.jpgChristmas has come to Liberty. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Children darted out into the street to snatch up handfuls of candy tossed out by the marchers as the different floats decorated with festive lights and tinsel cruised down Commerce Street.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_049.jpgChildren darted out into the street to snatch up handfuls of candy tossed out by the marchers as the different floats decorated with festive lights and tinsel cruised down Commerce Street. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Deck the halls — ahem, wheels — with boughs of holly!
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_104.jpgDeck the halls — ahem, wheels — with boughs of holly! Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Santa Claus appeared at the end of the parade, having swapped his reindeer and sleigh for a firetruck.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_120.jpgSanta Claus appeared at the end of the parade, having swapped his reindeer and sleigh for a firetruck. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.