Brundidge Police Chief Moses Davenport said Tuesday night’s Christmas Parade in downtown Brundidge was the biggest and the most attended ever.

“Tonight was outstanding,” Davenport said. “Everyone came out in the spirit of Christmas and community and it was a great way to kick off the Christmas season in Brundidge or anywhere. It was big night.”

No one is certain how many years the Brundidge Business Association has been hosting the Christmas Parade but that’s not all that important, said Cynthia Pearson, Brundidge City Council member.

“The Christmas Parade is an opportunity for many of us to experience first hand what we have seen on television,” Pearson said. “We’ve not always had a parade like this and it’s such a good way to bring our community together at this time of year.

“The parade gets bigger and better each year and this year was the best. It was a beautiful night, cool but not cold. Main Street was packed and there were a lot of different parade entries and everybody had a good time.”

Pearson said the crowd was extremely appreciative of the efforts that had been made to make the parade a success and enjoyable for all.

“Everyone conducted themselves in an orderly manner and that made the entire night enjoyable for everyone,” she said. “And, several of our Main Street businesses stayed open, so it was an opportunity for people to visit the stores and see what all our town has to offer.”

Heather Minton, a teacher at PCHS, said the bands – the Fort Rucker Army Band and bands from Pike County and Zion Chapel high schools – played loud and long and made the parade a more festive event.

“I enjoyed the bands very much and the music before and after the parade,” she said.

The Pike County High School Singers entertained the large crowd on the porch of the historic Bass House, which is home to Brundidge City Hall, prior to the parade. Following the parade, the Children’s Choir from Pike County Elementary School entertained, also with carols of Christmas.

The BBA held drawings for a variety of door prize gift certificates. Entering was as easy as signing one’s name.

A highlight of the annual Christmas Parade, perhaps of all Christmas parades, was the arrival of Santa Claus.

The Jolly Ol’ Elf came riding into town on a big fire truck and greeted the crowd with “Hi, Y’all” and let everyone know that, although he is from the North Pole, Santa speaks many different “languages” as he travels around the world.

Santa took time to listen to the Christmas wishes of all the good little boys and girls who sat on his knee and whispered their wishes in his ear.

“All the little boys and girls that I talked to have been as good as gold and I think ol’ Santa will be good to them on Christmas Eve,” Santa said.

Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage said the people of Brundidge can take great pride in the different community events within the city throughout the year.

“For a small town, we have a lot going for us,” he said. “The Christmas Parade is one of those many things.”