DECATUR -- Under an overcast sky, the Decatur Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Christmas Festival Dec. 12 at the Decatur High School cafeteria in Decatur.
The event kicked off with a parade through downtown Decatur. With the threat of rain looming on the horizon, the parade formed at City Hall and the Decatur Police and Fire Departments led the way.
The Girl Scout float won the champion award in the school division and the Decatur Methodist Church float took the championship in the business and non-profit division. Santa, riding a Decatur Fire Department truck, ended the parade. Santa was then escorted to the high school where he met Mrs. Claus and, together, they heard Christmas wishes from a long line of Decatur area children.
Gingerbread houses from each class at Decatur Northside Elementary were on display, and the public had the chance to vote on the best one.
When Santa heard from the last child, he and Mrs. Claus gave their Christmas blessings, marking the end of this year's event.
As the festival ended, heavy rain began to fall. Fortunately, it held off long enough to make both the parade and the festival a big success. More than 200 Decatur area residents and friends shared good food, a cup of hot chocolate and fellowship.
General News on 12/16/2015