CEDAR CITY – The community gathered up and down Main Street, despite the chilly temperatures, last Saturday to take in Cedar City’s 24th annual Electric Light Parade.

The delightful evening began with the traditional tree lighting ceremony in Mayor’s Park, that officially starts the Christmas season in Cedar City, the announcer said.

The Knights of Columbus, dressed in their traditional garb, marched into the park, escorting those involved with the ceremony, who walked under the Knights’ raised swords up to the unlit tree.

A representative from Christ the King Catholic Church was on hand to read scripture and offer a prayer to help ring in the season.

Mayor Gerald R. Sherratt then had the honor of lighting up the tree and was able to say a few words following the ceremony.

“I hope the special spirit of the Christmas season will illuminate our lives throughout the year,” Sherratt said.

Following the tree lighting, folks young and old, bundled up in hats, scarves and blankets, lined Main Street as the first festively-lit floats headed down the parade route.

Troy and Kim Maxwell of Cedar City said that they’ve been attending the parade for several years. Their two children, one in high school, the other in middle school, both participate in the marching band and have been doing so for years.

“We mostly enjoy seeing our kids marching in the band,” they said.

This year’s parade featured 37 entries, each decked out with twinkling lights and bright, smiling faces.

From the Grinch to Smokey the Bear to Santa Clause, all involved spread the Christmas spirit to those lucky enough to enjoy the Women in Business-sponsored Electric Light Parade.