‘Tis the Season: The Clark Elementary School Gentlmen of Excellence wave to spectators on Broad Street during Saturday’s Christmas Parade. The Gentlemen of Excellence tied for third place in the walking unit category. –Josh Bergeron

Christmas cheer flooded the streets Saturday as the annual Christmas parade snaked through downtown Selma.

Despite frigid temperatures, Selma Mayor George Evans said residents turned out in force to celebrate the holidays.

“I’m delighted that we had such a great turnout in this cold, cold weather,” Evans said. “I was glad to see so many people out there enjoying the parade.”

Fire departments, high school bands and a total of 14 floats registered to be in the parade. The Selma Christmas parade also drew bands from out of state. Riverdale High School traveled more than three hours from Clayton County, Ga. to take part in the parade.

Floats began lining up shortly after 7 a.m. on Washington Street. The parade began at the corner of Washington Street and Water Avenue. It turned right onto Broad Street and continued until reaching J.L. Chestnut Boulevard. The parade ended after turning back onto Washington Street.

Bands, floats and walking groups received awards on several factors, including appearance, theme and creativity.

In the band category, Riverdale High School placed first, Southside High placed second and Selma High placed third.

In the float category, Wallace Community College placed first, McRae Gaines Prep School placed second and Clark Elementary cheerleaders placed third.

In the walking units category, Edgewood Elementary cheerleaders placed first and McConnell Twins Dance Studio placed second. Third place was a tie between Payne Elementary and Clark Elementary School of Gentlemen of Excellence.

Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheryl Smedley said this year’s parade was larger than last year’s.

“I thought the parade went very well, we had an outstanding crowd today,” Smedley said. “This is actually the first year in a while that all the area high school bands were able to participate. “We’ll have a wrap up meeting next week and start planning for the 2014 parade.”

The theme for the 2013 parade was “A Magical Christmas in Selma.”

As the parade progressed down Broad Street, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, SpongeBob and Hello Kitty made appearances. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus also made the trek to Selma and brought up the rear of the parade.