TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- When you have a Christmas parade with thousands of people in it, you know you're in for a treat.
Over two hours of marching bands, floats, trucks and cars entertain the masses of people lining the streets in downtown Tupelo.
"[I love] the fun and excitement," adds Jill Hopkins, Guntown resident. "You know, it's the Tupelo parade. Everyone comes out. It's fun. We have a good time and it's to get together with family and friends and enjoy this."
Despite a warm temperature on Saturday morning the parade was filled with all kinds of pagentry, floats and Christmas festivities to put people in the mood of Christmas spirit knowing that the big day is now just 24 days away.
"It's a great day for our family," adds Leigh Ann Wise, Tupelo resident. "It's kind of the start of the Christmas season. We enjoy seeing the children and the bands and all the floats."
"You see all the parade floats, and it puts you in a great mood for Christmas and I love it," added Hopkins.
Parents say watching the parade is a great family activity because it offers something for everyone.
"We come out here every year and we like everything about it," adds Stephen Greenway, Tupelo resident. "We like the floats, all the bands. The kids like it and, of course, to see Santa Claus."
"Love coming for the kids," added Mendi Greenway, Mooreville resident. "We love it. Love to see Santa. Love to see all the floats. It's great."
Another reason why the parade's so popular with people from north Mississippi is that the parade is suitable for children of all ages.
"You see a lot of children all ages from infancy on up and everyone is always friendly," adds Heather Tate, Guntown resident. "It's a very safe environment. You know you're going to be at a good place and the traffic is not that bad."
That's why so many people line the streets and enjoy taking in the sights and sounds.
This years Tupelo Christmas Parade category winners are as follows.
Horse Groups:
1) Clover Haven Animal Hospital
Non-Profit Floats:
1) New Haven Center for Special needs Adults
Commercial Floats:
1) Caterpillar
Walking Groups:
1) Starlight 4-H Club
Band:
1) Shannon High School
