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2004 Huntsville Christmas Parade

Huntsville Shows Off Its Variety

By Jean Brandau, About.com

Everyone loves a parade...and the annual WAAY-TV Channel 31 Christmas Parade in Huntsville is no exception. Believe it or not, I think this was my first time of actually going to the parade! Although I was born and raised here, I don't think I ever went to the parade when I was little...and since I've been back in Huntsville, I've been content to watch it on TV in the comfort of my living room. But there's something to be said of experiencing the parade live on the streets of Huntsville with others. The excitement and thrill of the crowd is contagious!

A Christmas Parade would be the last thing on earth that people in Iowa (where I lived for 30 years) would consider going to watch outdoors in December or being in. The weather in Huntsville is perfect for a parade, and this year's weather was just perfect, with the sun shining and a light sweatshirt all you needed to stay warm.

There were 129 entries in the parade: marching bands, Red Hat Ladies, church groups, dancers, theatre people, animals of all kinds, clowns, school children, cars and just about every organization and club that could find wheels, a float, or walkers. Of course, it all ends with the most important person of all: Santa Claus!

Of course, I actually "walked" the parade. Okay, I cheated at little. I started at the beginning of the parade and walked toward the back as the parade snaked its way through the downtown streets of Huntsville. Although this was a quicker way to see it, it still took me over 2 hours. I did come away with some photos for you to enjoy. So sit back, relax and watch the parade flash before your eyes. And next year, consider getting off your duff and going down there and seeing it in person--I think you'll enjoy it!

2004 Christmas Parade Photos
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