Thousands of people lined up along Main Street in Festus and Bailey Road in Crystal City on Monday night to watch the 73rd annual Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, which included floats, fancy cars, emergency vehicles and walking groups, said Mary Zebrowski, the chamber’s executive director.
“We thought it was very successful,” Zebrowski said. “We had close to 100 units sign up to be in it and most showed up. The reports I got were it was one of the bigger crowds we’ve had lined up to see it.
“We made up 3,500 candy bags for the parade. The Knights of Columbus clowns gave them all out. So, evidently, thousands watched the parade.”
Zebrowski said the “perfect parade weather” contributed to the large turnout.
The parade theme was “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
On Tuesday, the chamber announced the following parade entry winners:
■ Floats: Glasstime, first place; Sheet Metal Contractors, second place; Sarah Hinderliter Realtor, third place.
■ Antique Car: Show-Me Antique Car Club.
■ Dance Group: Flipside.
■ Motor Units: Show-Me Antique Car Club, first place; True Connection Church, second place; Montgomery family, third place.
Zebrowski said the chamber got a lot of help with the parade.
“A huge thank you to the volunteers, city workers and the organizations that brought their people out to make it happen,” she said.