EASLEY — The casual passerby would never have guessed the date was Dec. 5 by the sunshine in the sky but the sounds of a marching band and floats galore during the annual Easley Christmas Parade would have proven them wrong.

Residents of the city and county were in attendance in full force as Easley followed up its tree lighting festivities of the night before with a jaunt through downtown to celebrate the arrival of the holidays and usher in Christmas.

Children of all ages were all smiles as dancers, musicians, and local organizations and businesses brought their floats to town. To the delight of all, the weather cooperated and provided a clear crisp morning for all in attendance.

Fire engines blared their horns and candy filled the skies as both sides of downtown Easley were shut down to traffic. From its beginning at First Baptist Church through the completion at the end of the parade route, holiday revelers helped to bring the Christmas spirit to the Easley community.

Members of the Easley police and fire departments participated as well, helping to clear the way for the Elf of the hour, Jolly Old Saint Nick, as he made his first appearance of Christmas just in time to tease the kids into a frenzy with more than a few days to go until his big ride.

Parade watchers young and old gathered on Main Street to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-020.jpgParade watchers young and old gathered on Main Street to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Old Engine No. 2 was decked out in its holiday finest to carry Easley City Council members Jim Robinson and Terry Moore along the parade route.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-055.jpgOld Engine No. 2 was decked out in its holiday finest to carry Easley City Council members Jim Robinson and Terry Moore along the parade route. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

A parade just isn’t complete without a marching band.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-080.jpgA parade just isn’t complete without a marching band. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Cub Scout Pack 130 made the rounds handing out candy.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-122.jpgCub Scout Pack 130 made the rounds handing out candy. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Beauty queens are a staple in any parade and Easley’s was no different.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-155.jpgBeauty queens are a staple in any parade and Easley’s was no different. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Bringing in the holiday season with style …
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-166.jpgBringing in the holiday season with style … Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

The always talented Powdersville marching Patriots made an appearance in Saturday’s parade.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-167.jpgThe always talented Powdersville marching Patriots made an appearance in Saturday’s parade. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

These lovely ladies took the opportunity to spread an important message with their holiday cheer: “Don’t forget your mammograms this Christmas!”
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-190.jpgThese lovely ladies took the opportunity to spread an important message with their holiday cheer: “Don’t forget your mammograms this Christmas!” Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Who says parades are just for people?
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-212.jpgWho says parades are just for people? Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

“Merry Christmas!”
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-215.jpg“Merry Christmas!” Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Members and leaders of Girl Scout Troop 2580 wished everyone a joyful holiday season. Is it cookie time yet?
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-229.jpgMembers and leaders of Girl Scout Troop 2580 wished everyone a joyful holiday season. Is it cookie time yet? Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Putting oven mitts to good use, these “lunch ladies” have holiday recipes for fun.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-242.jpgPutting oven mitts to good use, these “lunch ladies” have holiday recipes for fun. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

These dancers came prepared! A snow machine mounted on their float set the tone for the Christmas season.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-259.jpgThese dancers came prepared! A snow machine mounted on their float set the tone for the Christmas season. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Holiday revelers helped to bring the Christmas spirit to the Easley community.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-261.jpgHoliday revelers helped to bring the Christmas spirit to the Easley community. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Children of all ages were all smiles as dancers, musicians, and local organizations and businesses brought their floats to town.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-308.jpgChildren of all ages were all smiles as dancers, musicians, and local organizations and businesses brought their floats to town. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

The traditional close to the parade was Santa Claus, who graciously took time out of his busy schedule to wave hello to Easley’s kids.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_2015parade-322.jpgThe traditional close to the parade was Santa Claus, who graciously took time out of his busy schedule to wave hello to Easley’s kids. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland and D.C. Moody at 864-855-0355.