‘Tis the season and Lexington is in full swing! All dressed for the holiday, our town delighted in welcoming Santa on Sunday at the annual Christmas parade.

Leading off was the Lexington Police followed by the Lexington High School color guard and NROTC. Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall sat atop the Town Council float, with Councilmen Todd Carnes, Todd Lyle, Ron Williams, Steve Baker, Councilwoman Kathy Maness and guest Rebekah Cauthern also on board. Congressman Joe Wilson waved to bystanders as they traveled down Main Street. State Rep.Paula Calhoon walked the parade route as husband Donnie Myers followed in their vehicle.

Sheriff Jay Koon with Kim represented the county’s Sheriff’s Department. Our area school boards added to the festivities with their seasonal music and marching processions. There were many children in the parade with parents and grandparents waving and cheering them on from the sidelines. Many had colorful costumes topped with Santa hats or even antlers.

The many dance groups featured girls of all ages dancing their way down the street. It is always good to see scouts representing their Troops and being a part of this event. Always adding beauty to the day, queens, with their sparkling crowns and title sashes, waved to the crowd. Some were the Teen Peach and the Queen herself representing the County Peach Festival.

Thanks to Kirby of Kirby Floats for creating such lovely decorated entries each year.

Santa in his bright red suit and full white beard rolled in on top of a fire truck. Waving to the cheering crowd, he responded with many “Ho! Ho! Ho!”’s and a Merry Christmas to all.

In past times, Main Street had cleared out after the parade. I was happy to see, though, that parade goers stayed and grabbed food from restaurants and strolled Main Street.

There is a Christmas Sampler Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Lexington Leisure Center at 108 Park Road. The free event is open to the public. Canned foods are accepted to support Lexington Meals on Wheels.

Happy Birthday: Jakie Knotts, Alex Knight, Hamp Brabham, Jean Johnson, Jay Byers, Jessica Linder Gregory Wilkins, Polly Ann Gathings, Cooper Sharpe, Hannah Hicks, Ralph Haggard, Kerri Brittingham, Chuck Corley, Shannon Wessinger, Caroline Hooker, Thomas Brunson, Peter Mondeel, Maura Ross, Jennifer Harper, Erica Waites, Hailey Williamson, Paula Calhoon, Graceanne Crumpton, Katie Dawkins, Mike Sayles, Bob Lowman, Star Murray, Heath Arnold, Caroline Bryson, Allen Shealy, Landon Berry, Jackson Jeffcoat, Mike Burgess, Katie Carroll, Claudia Lee Schneider, Amanda Crumpton, Lucas Reynolds, Dianne Taylor, Steve Fowler, Jason Foy, Austin Mintz, Michael Weaver and Leslie Westberry.