On Thursday night, lots of folks turned out to enjoy an annual event eagerly awaited by kids of all ages – the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade. Approximately 50 entries were part of the parade, which was led by the Grand Marshal for the event, State Auditor Beth Chapman, one of Greenville’s own. This year’s theme was &uot;Hometown Holiday Celebration.&uot;

The Greenville High School Band, Color Guard and ROTC units were in step for the annual festivities, along with local Brownie and Cub Scout troops, churches, businesses, charitable organizations, various volunteer fire departments, the Greenville Fire Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Auxiliary, and of course, Santa Claus himself. Vehicles ranged from an old-fashioned horse and wagon to an ultra-modern Humvee limousine, giving new meaning to the word &uot;stretch&uot;. Miss Greater Greenville 2004, the lovely Melinda Toole, waved to the crowds, as did the man named &uot;Ugliest in Town&uot;, Roger Landsdon, a title he received courtesy of the Greenville Lions Club Radio Day.

Butler County Junior Miss Salley Burkett was also featured in the parade, as were the Optimist Club’s Sweet Potato Festival Kings and Queens.

The weather proved ideal for the event – &uot;no rain, not too cold or too warm&uot;, said Chamber of Commerce Director Carol Lee. &uot;I thought we had a really good turn-out for the parade.&uot;

Four entries received special recognition by the event judges. For Best Float Entry, first place honors went to Crowne Health Care of Greenville for their delightful gingerbread house design. Second place honors were awarded to Marilyn’s Hair Design.

For the Best Decorated Vehicle Entry, Greenville Main Street took top honors with their festive golf cart &uot;sleigh&uot; and &uot;present&uot;, while Camellia Communications garnered the second place award.

Main Street merchants also marched in the parade wearing sandwich boards representing their businesses (A pineapple for The Pineapple, for example) or symbols of the Christmas season.

&uot;We appreciate every one who participated and all the folks who turned out for this year’s parade…and once again, we encourage you to shop for the holidays in Greenville,&uot; said Lee.