over the weekend, including several sightings in Smithville and Liberty.

On Saturday afternoon, young and old alike made their way to downtown Smithville for the annual Smithville Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square events.

The festivities began with Mary Ann Puckett’s Square Dance teams, Smithville Select, DeKalb Dancin’ Delights, Center Hill Hoedown, Caney Fork Circle Eights, and the Ragland Bottom Roundup performing for the crowd at the gazebo at Evins Park.

Shortly after, Smithville’s Frosty Flakes with Queen Bee Tubbs performed in front of the judges’ tables on the Courthouse Square.

Afterwards, the main parade made its way through town, featuring floats, decorated vehicles, local pageant winners, local participating businesses and emergency vehicles, culminating with the arrival of Santa Clause atop the Smithville Fire Department’s ladder truck.

Mr. and Miss DeKalb County, Smithville Mayor Josh Miller and Smithville Alderman Beth Chandler, served as Grand Marshals for the parade, while Aaron and Thea Tippin served as the parade’s honorary Grand Marshals.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel took first place for the best float with its farm-themed float with snow maker, while Bubba’s Auction House took second place with its Rudolph inspired float. Whorton Springs Baptist Church won third place with its nativity scene float. The Spirit award went to the Lady Rangers Softball Team.

After the parade, the crowds hung around to view the live window displays, and to grab holiday refreshments from City Hall, the DeKalb Courthouse, and local businesses.

On Sunday, the Town of Liberty got in on the holiday spirit, as it hosted its 2024 Christmas Parade. The event featured several floats, vintage vehicles, ATVs and four-wheelers, horse-drawn rigs, and much more. The town also held giveaways at the end of the parade.

In the Best Float category, the DeKalb West School basketball teams claimed first place, while Salem Baptist Church won second place.

In the Kid’s category, the DCHS Fighting Tiger Band was awarded first place, while second place went to Middle Tennessee Taekwondo for its show of force at the parade. No wooden fences were harmed during the event.

In the miscellaneous category Alexis Reynolds received first place, while Payton Knowles took second place.

For vintage automobiles, Dean Lyle won first place, with second place going to Christina Kay Youngblood.

Of course, bring up the rear of the procession was old Saint Nick himself, hitching a ride on Liberty Fire Station’s Engine 65. He waved to the kids and shared a bit of candy.

The Alexandria Christmas Parade will be held this Saturday, December 14, at 2 p.m. Line-up starts at 1 p.m. on West Main Street.