Sunlight streamed along Hwy. 108 as children turned cartwheels and ran across the Polk County Courthouse lawn on Dec. 18. The warm weather provided a treat for the annual Christmas parade in Columbus, which had been rescheduled because of the weekend’s rain.

“I like to see kids playing and having a good time,” said Ed McAbee, smiling as he waited for the parade to begin.

Some citizens brought their pets to enjoy the parade, too.

“It’s Sissy’s first parade,” said Barry Gee. His wife, Kay, added, “We got Sissy from the humane society.”

The parade had something for everyone. Kynley Lawter, a preschooler, said she liked the candy best, and Crystal Lawter said she liked the antique cars. Lauren Lanford liked the fire trucks and ambulances, and Madison Lawter liked the hillbilly clan. Julia McFalls enjoyed Santa Claus most of all. Edith Ritchey, age 89, said she particularly appreciated her church’s float, because it celebrated the true meaning of Christmas.

“I love all the floats and animals and anything in a parade,” she said. “but most of all, I like my church’s float.”

Sarah Harriman brought her daughter, Hannah, to the parade.

“What I love best is seeing it all through my daughter’s eyes,” she said. “Everything has a new meaning then, even the Christmas lights, and all the things we take for granted seem new again.”

The Columbus Fire Department spearheaded the community event, and many fire trucks and ambulances from Columbus and surrounding communities drove down the road, as the air went ablaze with the roar of their sirens. Santa Claus showed up at the end of it all, waving.