Christmas is welcomed in Decatur with parade

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS The first-place winner in the Decatur Christmas Parade went to First Baptist Church of Decatur for its best use of the parade theme, "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The float was part of the 2018 Decatur Christmas Parade, which made its way through downtown Decatur Dec. 7.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS The first-place winner in the Decatur Christmas Parade went to First Baptist Church of Decatur for its best use of the parade theme, "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The float was part of the 2018 Decatur Christmas Parade, which made its way through downtown Decatur Dec. 7.

DECATUR -- Military personnel often celebrate Christmas in foxholes or barracks or on the deck of a rolling ship 1,000 miles from loved ones and home celebrations, often writing in letters, "I'll be home for Christmas."

This was the theme for this year's Decatur Christmas Parade and Santa Celebration sponsored by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce.

At 5:30 p.m. on Friday, decorated vehicles and floats gathered on the corner of Third and Main Streets in Decatur, ready for the start of the parade. At the same time, children and adults gathered in downtown Decatur waiting to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Suddenly, the normal quiet of downtown Decatur gave way to the sound of sirens as the Decatur Police and Fire Departments ushered in the 2018 Christmas parade.

This year's event was one of the largest in the past five years with more than 25 decorated vehicles and trailers of all types with lights of different sizes, shapes and colors symbolizing the Christmas spirit.

With the Decatur High School Marching Band leading them in the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, who were sitting on the front bumper of a Decatur Fire truck, greeted young and old as they brought up the rear of the parade.

After the parade, people gathered in the community room at Decatur City Hall to meet and greet Santa and Mrs. Claus. More than 75 children sat on the jolly old elf's lap, conveying their last-minute Christmas wishes.

First Baptist Church of Decatur won the float contest for the best use of the parade theme. The Simmons Foods duo float combination won second place, with the Fellowship Full Gospel Church of Decatur earning an honorable mention.

The Decatur Chamber of Commerce house lighting contest judging continues through Thursday. This year's judges include the executive committee from the Decatur Historical Commission.

The Decatur Chamber of Commerce expressed thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers and the community for making this year's Decatur Christmas parade and Santa Celebration a big success.

General News on 12/12/2018