PICKENS — The city of Pickens was decked out in its holiday finest as residents turned out Friday night for the annual Christmas parade.
Main Street was packed from one end to the other with people gathering to catch a glimpse of the holiday lights, antique cars, singers, dancers and the various floats representing various community clubs, businesses and sports teams.
The Pickens High School Marching band traded their usual plumed headgear for Santa hats and many of the musicians tricked out their instruments with lights and tinsel.
Kids darted in and out of the crowds to snatch up handfuls of candy tossed from the parade marchers and vendors pushing carts brimming with glow-sticks, balloons and noise makers made their way up and down the parade route.
The Grandstand, to the right of the courthouse, was the main viewing place as participants put their talents on display for the panel of judges who sat taking notes behind a wall of trophies to be handed out to the winners.
“Our kids are long since grown and we still come out for this every year,” said Ruth Baysberry. “It just doesn’t feel like the holidays until you’ve been to the parade.
“I like that they hold it at night,” Baysberry continued. “With all the lights on the floats, it’s just prettier. And this weather? Can you believe it? I can’t get over the fact that it’s so warm in the middle of December. This makes up for the tree lighting.”
The annual Christmas tree lighting for the city of Pickens had been postponed earlier this month because of heavy rain.
“Look at me, I’m not even wearing a jacket! I guess this means a ‘White Christmas’ is out of the question,” said Baysberry. “But that’s OK, I’ll drink my hot chocolate anyway.”