BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com

Troutman’s annual Christmas parade returned Saturday after a year’s hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, and hundreds of people, decked out in their holiday apparel, cheered the parade entries on a sunny, unseasonably warm morning.

The hour-long parade featured 80 entries, 200 vehicles and an estimated 600 people, according to town officials. Spectators cheered a wide variety of parade participants, including the South Iredell and Statesville high school bands, floats, Acrofitness kids’ tumbling feats, beauty queens, antique and show cars, bedecked tractors, and politicians.

Of course, the star of the show, Santa Claus, arrived on a Troutman Fire and Rescue engine with two lively elves, waving to delighted children at the parade’s conclusion.

Jingle Bell 5K

The weekend’s holiday kickoff continues Sunday with the Jingle Bell 5K at 3 p.m. at Town Hall.

Runners are asked to wear their merriest holiday apparel and to consider donating a new toy or personal care item for My Sister’s House to support its guests’ holiday season needs. Runners can bring items on race day for on-site collection.

The My Sister’s House Christmas wishlist includes pajamas in all sizes for women and children, women’s slippers, robes, scarves, mittens, toboggans, blankets, throws, and new unwrapped toys for all ages.

Ongoing needs include paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues), cleaning supplies, over the counter cold & flu medication, shampoo & conditioner sets, bottled water, juice boxes, soda, dark-colored towels, washcloths, and dish towels.

This is an officially timed race by McLelland Racing Team (MRT). Registration is $10 per person, which includes a finisher’s medal.

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