Despite the freezing temperatures, a large crowd came out to enjoy the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Parade in Luverne Saturday.

This year, Mr. C.J. Faulk, the 2009 Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year, was the Grand Marshal for the parade.

The Luverne High School Marching Band led the parade, followed by pageant and Homecoming queens, plenty of firetrucks, golf carts, floats, horses, and, of course, Santa Claus.

The Crenshaw County Riders and U.S. military veterans are always a big hit as they come roaring through town, carrying gifts and toys for the Department of Human Resource’s “Operation Santa Claus.”

The parade came to a halt as the bikers piled a truck and trailer with toys.

“We appreciate everyone who came out in the freezing weather to enjoy the Christmas parade,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sherri Richburg said. “We hope everyone will stay and do some Christmas shopping in downtown Luverne–this is just a great way to start the holiday season.”