BY DEBBIE PAGE

Folks decked out in the festive holiday apparel lined Eastway Drive in Troutman on Saturday morning for the annual Troutman Christmas Parade.

The hour-long parade featured 90 entries, according to Troutman Special Events Coordinator Amber Ward. The Grand Marshal was N.C. Rep. Mitchell Setzer with Santa Claus as the special guest.

The South Iredell High and Statesville High bands belted out holiday tunes, and the North Iredell High float featured a snowy scene with the Abominable Snowman, Raider cheerleaders, and the NIHS mascot.

Local politicians and beauty queens waved to spectators, and Acrofitness performers wowed the crowd with their stunts along the parade route. Jeeps, classic cars and trucks, floats, and numerous organizations also entertained the waving crowds.

Before appearing in the parade, Santa attended the Rotary Club’s annual Santa Pancake Breakfast, which will benefit the South Yadkin Baptist Association Toy Stores for Jesus, which helps Santa fulfill disadvantaged children’s Christmas wishes in the community. The club also collected donations of non-perishable food and toys from attendees.

Student choral and musical groups entertained breakfast diners in the festively decorated South Iredell High cafeteria as Rotary Cub members dished up pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage.

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