Fifty-six entries signed up for the 21st annual Junction City Christmas parade and a big crowd lined Sixth Street to watch it unfold Friday evening.

The parade featured entries ranging from bands and floats emphasizing the theme ‘Light up the Christmas spirit’ to motorcycle entries and horses. There were Shriners on mini-wheels, numerous 4H Club members riding floats, and girls from local dance studios performing their routines as they worked down Sixth Street.

The parade awards included:

–Mayor’s Award, $200,  which went to Corvias Military Living

–Chamber of Commerce Award, $150,  to Patriot Pointe

–Founder’s Award, $150, to Juanita Daycare

–Youth Award, $150, to JCMS Auto

–Geary County Commission Award, $150, to Junction City Little Theater.

Mayor Mick McCallister called it a great parade and day. “What a great community turnout. This is something that they’ve done for 21 years.” McCallister added, “This has been the best parade. All along the parade route it was crowded, lots of children.”

Santa Claus arrived at the end of the parade on the Munson Angus Farms Black Horse Hitch where he spoke to the audience and then flipped a switch lighting up the Christmas displays in Heritage Park. After that Santa Claus moved to his Santa House to visit with children and hear their Christmas wishes.