Residents of Lincoln County joined together Thursday night atthe annual Brookhaven Christmas Parade to celebrate the upcomingholiday season.

Hundreds of residents turned out to get a glimpse of areaofficials, Santa Claus, nativity scenes, beauty pageant winners,local bands, unique vehicles and other interesting floats that madethe trip through the downtown area.

“The turnout was wonderful. It was an enormous crowd, and Ithink everyone had a good time,” said Chandler Russ, Chamberexecutive vice-president.

The streets along the parade route, which included CherokeeStreet, Whitworth Avenue, Chickasaw Street, Railroad Avenue andMonticello Street, were lined at least four people deep withparade-goers.

“We’re glad so many people came out and supported the parade,”said Russ, adding that the crowd was well-behaved this year withfew problems reported.

He believes the public safety work and crowd control theBrookhaven Police Department supplied helped make the parade suchan enjoyable and safe event.

“They really did a wonderful job,” said Russ, of the officerswho walked through the crowds and along the streets making sureeveryone acted in a safe manner.

Parade-goers were entertained by over 100 entries, which werelead by the Lincoln County Fire Truck Brigade and severaldignitaries, including the parade’s grand marshal, Mayor BillGodbold.

“It was great to have the mayor honored as grand marshal,” saidRuss.

This year’s parade theme, “Gifts of Christmas,” was depicted inseveral of the floats, which were judged in four categories. Theoverall winner was Brookhaven Honda Motorcycles with their floatfeaturing Grinch dolls atop off-road motorcycles.

The other winners included:

Religious Category — First United Methodist Church, mostbeautiful;

Wellman Baptist Church Youth, best depiction of theme; and NewHope

United Methodist Church, most original.

School Category — Cornerstone Preschool, most beautiful;

New Vision Child Care, most festive;

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Student nurses, mostoriginal;

Brookhaven Christian Academy, best depiction of theme.

General Category — Brookhaven Juvenile Rehabilitation Center,most beautiful;

Lincoln Residential Center, most festive;

Brookhaven Exchange Club, most original;

4-H T-Bone Club, best depiction of theme.

Small Business Category — Trustmark National Bank, mostbeautiful;

Boulevard Cruisers, most original;

Brookhaven Honda Motorcycles, most festive;

Silver Cross Home, best depiction of theme.