Big crowds turn out for Christmas parades
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

(TOP) Jade and Austin Harris wait patiently for the floats to make their way down Limestone Street to begin Saturday's Christmas parade in Gaffney.

Gastonia, N.C., resident Marcus Cook had previously heard of Gaffney only a few times prior to his visit Saturday, knowing primarily about its variety of places to shop both downtown and at Prime Outlets- Gaffney.

"That was the main reason why I made this trip - to get much of my Christmas shopping out of the way," Cook said.

However, Cook's yearning to get his shopping out of the way brought him downtown, giving him an opportunity to get a glimpse of how Gaffney celebrates the holiday season.

Cook joined hundreds of Cherokee County residents clad in holiday colors who lined streets downtown for the annual Christmas parade.

"This was quite an experience for me," Cook said. "The chances of something like this happening are slim to none. But I am happy that me coming for a particular purpose brought me here to this parade."

Blacksburg residents also showed up in droves to their annual parade, as Police Chief Jamie Ham and other Blacksburg police officers kicked off the event by slowly making their way through town.

(RIGHT) The main attraction, jolly ole St. Nick himself, sits atop a festive float and gazes out into the crowd of adoring fans. CHECK OUR WEB SITE FOR MORE PHOTOS (Ledger photos / JOE L. HUGHES II & CODY SOSSAMON)

Troy Drakeford, 29, was able to make both parades on Saturday and was quite amazed at the number of people at each event.

"It seems the amount of people at these parades keeps growing each year," Drakeford said. "Seeing so many people out here having a good time makes it worth it."