Locals crowded Smithville sidewalks Saturday to celebrate the annual Smithville Volunteer Fire Department Christmas parade.

Fair weather met the arrival of Old St. Nick in DeKalb County, and an impressive crowd turned out to witness the event. As always, the parade included floats, vintage automobiles, the DCHS Fighting Tiger Band, veterans, equestrians, horse-and-mule-drawn wagons, boy and girl scouts, and emergency personnel, all followed into town by Kris Kringle himself.

Grand Marshals were Mr. and Miss DeKalb County, Bernard Houk and Mandy Dakas.

In the float competition, the entry from Oakley Thrift Store claimed first prize with a Grinch-themed float. The Smithville Lions Club took second prize, while Girl Scout Troop 3094 was awarded third place honors.

The DeKalb County Junior Pro Football Players and Cheerleaders went home with the annual Spirit Award, presented by the Smithville Business and Professional Women's Club.

Santa returned Sunday for a visit to the Liberty Christmas Parade.

The Liberty parade also featured floats and vintage automobiles, riders on horseback and horse drawn wagons, and the DCHS band, as well as State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, emergency personnel, and the Jolly Elf.

Grand Marshals were Liberty Mayor Dwight Mathis and his wife Shirley.

Oakley Thrift Store again took first place honors in the float competition, of Smithville received first place in the float competition. Salem Baptist Church manned the second-place float.

Gabriel and Jacob Blair claimed first place in the children's category. Second went to Hannah and Hailey Brown.

First place in the vintage automobile competition went to Don Hawkins’ 1956 Chevrolet. John and Jami Driver took second place with their 1972 Ford Gran Torino.

Drawings were held for prizes after the parade.