SANTEE - Babies in strollers, senior citizens and everyone in between lined the sidewalks of Bass Drive as the Santee Christmas Parade marched from the Quality Inn to the Town Hall Complex to the music of the Lake Marion High School Band on Dec. 14.

Sen. John W. Matthews Jr., the grand marshal, greeted and waved to the excited crowds as he passed by. The Santee Town Council members were all smiles as they moved along the parade route on their special float. Other crowd-pleasers included the Santee Maize Days Queens.

Following the Lake Marion High School JROTC, an array of colorful floats, golf carts and cars sponsored by public officials, area churches, businesses and civic organizations enhanced the parade and its theme of "Sounds of the Season." Children excitedly watched for a glimpse of Santa Claus who arrived atop a Santee Fire District truck.

After the parade, the 8th Annual Christmas Tree & Luminary Lighting Service was held. Councilman John Mark Gilmore lit the Christmas tree, and luminaries were lit in memory of or in honor of loved ones. Proceeds of the luminaries will go to help the less fortunate enjoy a holiday meal. Following the ceremony, participants gathered at the Family Development Center for socializing and refreshments with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

The Santee River Jazz Band entertained the crowd with Christmas music before, during and after the lighting ceremony. Krysten Rael, Santee's Miss Maize Days Queen, sang "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and a group from Fellowship of Praise Church sang several Christmas carols. Carols were also sung by the Youth Empowerment Santee Community, and the Santee Maize Days Queens sang "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer."

The children took photos with Santa, courtesy of the Greater Santee Literacy Council. Santee Kiwanis and the Literacy Council gave the children gifts of books, and the kids also received candy from Santa. Hot dogs, chips and soda were served courtesy of the Town of Santee and McDonald's of Santee donated sweet tea.

Parade winners were:

* Best Overall: Fellowship of Praise - "Reason for the Season"

* Best Band: Lake Marion High School Gator Band

* Most Creative: ERA Wilder Realty

* Best JROTC: Lake Marion High School JROTC

Fellowship of Praise Church, which won in the Best Overall category, contained a live nativity with the youth performing and the children as the singing angels.

Santee Mayor Silas Seabrooks and the Town Council expressed their appreciation for the dedication and hard work of Caroline Turnblad, coordinator of tourism and special events, along with all the town employees and volunteers who contributed to the success of the parade.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com.

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