Main Street was aglow with the holiday spirit as area high school marching bands blasted out the songs of the season while citizens of Cedartown gathered to watch children of all ages parade through the downtown area. Last Thursday night the annual Cedartown Christmas parade was in full swing. Approximately 60 entries turned out for the event themed "Christmas 2000" and led the community in a holiday celebration according to Patti Rowell, Parade Coordinator. Many area residents braced up against the cold donning bulky jackets, sweaters, scarves and hats and brought in the Christmas season despite the wintry weather. Various churches, school organizations and local community groups proceeded down Main Street waving and shouting Yuletide greetings to the onlookers. Awards were given to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth place floats. According to Rowell, Northside Elementary captured first place and won $300 The Cedartown Library came in second with a $250 award followed by Polk Medical Center who won $200 and according to representatives of the hospital plan to donate their winnings to the needy. Safe Kids came in with a fourth place $150 finish and Helping Hands Day Care won $100 by coming in fifth place. Area bands livened up the parade by playing holiday musical selections. Trophies were given to first, second and third place bands. Winning the first place trophy was Central of Carrolton followed by Bay Springs Marching Band and Cherokee County, Alabama's Marching Band. The parade was carried out as usual with one exception. In the past, the parade has began at Marietta Street and ended at the Kroger parking lot. The parade route this time was shorter than those of the past, starting at the usual spot but ending at the old Big Star parking lot. Several parade spectators noted that this years parade was longer in duration and included many more floats than in previous years.