Kathy Copeland / Community Columnist

On Monday, Dec. 3, the streets leading into downtown Vincent were lined with happy, smiling faces anticipating the arrival of a favorite in Vincent…the Christmas Parade! This year was no disappointment. In fact, it was bigger and better than ever.

A change to this year’s line-up was its starting point. In prior years the parade started at Vincent Middle High School for a short path to downtown. This year, everyone lined up at the City Park which allowed for a larger number of participants and it also provided much more viewing opportunities.

Downtown Vincent was lined with tables of food and beverages compliments of area churches and businesses. Reportedly, there were 11 churches that participated either in the actual parade or by providing some kind of complimentary refreshments.

After the parade members of the community gathered for a tree lighting ceremony moderated by Bridgette Jordan-Smith, City Council member and chairwoman of the Parade Committee. The ceremony began with a scripture reading and prayer led by Dawn Howard, a teacher at Vincent Middle High School. Almost immediately, the winners of the parade participants were announced.

Congratulations to Highway 466 for Best Float. Best Decorated Vehicle went to Michael Cohill and Best Decorated Horse and Rider went to Corey Reynolds. Blaklee Davis, Little Miss Shamrock, was awarded the Mayor’s Choice Award.

It was a beautiful evening to sip on hot cider or hot chocolate and enjoy the musical entertainment provided by the Central Alabama Regional Choir directed by Pastor Theoangelo Perkins.

As Jordan-Smith said during her comments, the evening was a real celebration of community in downtown Vincent. Community spirit was alive and energetic as children and adults alike darted for candy and waved and threw kisses to participants in the parade.

The sound of the Vincent Middle High School Band under the direction of Landon Manning is always a special treat and festive too with each of them wearing Santa hats!

And of course a big thank you to all of the parade participants who added extra flavor to the excitement, like Bobby Joe Seales, Alabama’s Bicentennial Ambassador, adorned in a tuxedo and top hat while riding in a convertible. And, to all of the cars and motor cycles that showed off their engines and the fire departments that entertained with their flashing lights and sirens.

It was a beautiful evening and a beautiful atmosphere to kick off the Christmas season. The Christmas tree in Vincent, claimed as the largest in the state of Alabama, is now brightly shining each night for all to enjoy. Merry Christmas from Vincent!