MURFREESBORO – Like most little towns that dot the American landscape, Murfreesboro celebrates the holiday season by hosting a Christmas Parade.

That tradition continued here on Saturday where despite winter-like temperatures, the mood was warm as hundreds lined Murfreesboro’s Main Street to take in the sights and sounds of this most special time of the year.

From the lead vehicle with Murfreesboro Police Chief Darrell Rowe to the horses and horse-drawn carriages that brought up the rear, this festive parade was delightful for the young and old alike.

Of course, the Jolly Old Elf from the North Pole made his traditional visit to this historic town as Santa Claus was perched on top of one of Murfreesboro’s fire truck from where he greeted his numerous fans with a wave of the hand and a wink of the eye.

What the youngsters in the crowd didn’t know what that Santa used the occasion to judge their behavior before he takes that magical trip on the night of Dec. 24.

Meanwhile, the parade was crammed full of seasonal-themed floats and two marching bands – Hertford County Middle School and Hertford County High School.

Some of the more colorful floats included H.O.M.E., Rivers Correctional Institution, Murfreesboro Lions Club, Colours of Praise, Mill Neck Missionary Baptist Church and Building Blocks Academy.

Judging from the reaction of the crowd, the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade put everyone in the spirit of Christmas.