For the first time in 10 years, Janis May had reason to come to the Decatur Christmas parade Monday night.

Wanting to share the festive atmosphere with her children and grandchild, the Decatur resident arrived early enough to park on Second Avenue Southeast and stand at the beginning of the parade route at Gordon Drive.

“It’s exciting. You got to see Santa,” May said. “But now that we got little ones again to come out here, and it had to rain.”

But if she had her choice, she said she’d take light rain over heavy cold, which she could have faced Thursday night had the Decatur Jaycees postponed the parade.

The forecast for Thursday night was clear skies and lows in the 30s.

Temperatures

Temperatures during the parade, which started at 6 p.m., remained in the mid-40s.

Rain ranged from heavy mist to light drizzle.

Parade-watchers appeared slightly fewer compared to last year.

The Decatur Fire and Rescue color guard and grand marshal Bill Dukes led the parade, which featured nearly 60 entries. Organizers said only the Priceville High School Band canceled because of the weather. The Decatur, Austin and West Morgan high school bands marched.

Also near the front were the Decatur Dixie Darlings, marching and twirling batons for their 31st year. It was the second year for Sydney Glasgow, 10, and Alexia Glasgow, 8.

Their mother, Sherry Glasgow, said last year’s experience left a frigid reminder for Sydney.

“She said she didn’t know if she wanted to do it again, but as it got closer, she changed her mind,” she said.

Even though the parade is an optional activity, 40 of the Dixie Darlings’ 50 members participated, said their director, Vicki Linley.

“They love it. They love Christmas and getting in their little red suits,” she said, noting the 10 who missed were sick.

The Dixie Darlings won best walking unit this year, one of four entries receiving $100 cash prizes given by the law offices of Lentz, Whitmire, House and Propst, and Wear, Howell, Strickland, Quinn and Law; Family Security Credit Union; and The Body Shop.

Linley said the money will help buy a new banner to identify the group in the parade. The existing one weighed enough to require five boys to carry it.

Footehills of Alabama Realty won best float, the Decatur Police Department won best decorated vehicle and Hunter Muffler with a lighted horse won best animal.

The parade took about 40 minutes to pass, with Santa Claus near the end, much to the delight of 2-year-old Ashlynn McMurray of Falkville.

“I saw Santa,” she said still beaming about the accomplishment 10 minutes after the parade. As she danced in the back of her mother’s pickup, she also said she most enjoyed the horses and dogs.

Three groups showed dogs, The North Alabama Search Dog Association, Decatur Animal Kennel Club and Decatur Animal Services, which walked 16 dogs available for adoption.

“She said ‘Merry Christmas, doggies,’?” said her mother, Keli McMurray. “This is her first Christmas parade. I wanted her to know what I experienced when I was her age.

“Oh, she loved it,” she said. “You don’t see many 2-year-olds saying Merry Christmas to every float that goes by.”

See Also:
Decatur Christmas Parade