Thousands enjoy Helena Christmas Parade

Published 2:09 pm Monday, December 9, 2019

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – The skies were blue and the weather was perfect for the 49th annual Helena Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, as thousands lined Alabama 261 to cheer on the parade participants.

The Helena Christmas Parade Committee was hard at work planning the details for the 49th annual Helena Christmas Parade, and on Dec. 7 the longstanding Helena tradition continued.

The theme for this year’s parade was “Christmas Toy Shoppe,” as the parade honored long-time Helena servant Jack Gray who served as the Parade Grand Marshal.

Gray has served Helena for numerous years being Helena’s Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman. He has also volunteered as head duck wrangler on the Helena Buck Creek Festival Committee and he is a member of the Helena Kiwanis Club and Helena Lion’s Club.

The lineup of floats began as early as 10:30 a.m. and the parade got rolling close to 1 p.m.

Elisha Handley attended the parade wearing her “Santa’s favorite” T-shirt where her and some friends set up near the intersection of Alabama 261 and Shelby County 52.

“I’m from Gardendale and several people here are from out of town to see the parade so that should tell you something,” Handley said. “We’ve always enjoyed coming to the parade.”

To see more photos of the Helena Christmas Parade, visit Shelbycountyphotos.com.