Hundreds of spectators braved chilly weather to enjoy the sightsand sounds of the annual Brookhaven Christmas Parade as it rolledthrough the city Thursday night.

“It was a wonderful turnout for such cold weather,” saidChandler Russ, executive vice-president of the Brookhaven-LincolnCounty Chamber of Commerce. “It really helped get everyone in theatmosphere of Christmas and the holiday season.”

Eleven awards for parade floats were given out in fourcategories Thursday. Winners included:

GENERAL

* Most Original – National Guard

* Most Beautiful – 4-H T-Bone Club (Winter Wonderland)

* Most Festive – Countrybrook Living Center

* Best Depiction of Theme (Holiday Songs) – JuvenileRehabilitation Facility

SMALL BUSINESS

* Most Original – Wizard Electronics

* Most Beautiful – Bilt Rite

* Best Depiction of Theme – Western Sizzlin

RELIGIOUS

* Most Original – Mt. Wade M.B. Church

SCHOOL

* Most Festive – Thompson Learning Center

* Best Depiction of Theme – Enterprise Future Farmers ofAmerica

* Most Original – Brookhaven High School.

Russ said float winners will receive plaques recognizing theiraccomplishment. The plaques will be personalized and delivered towinners as soon as possible, he said.

Parade chairwoman Rita Rich and her committee did a fantasticjob of organizing this year’s event, Russ said. He added thatchamber officials were honored to recognize long-time communityvolunteer Tom Moak as grand marshal.

“We were proud to have him do this for us as well,” Russsaid.