Three churches, a school and and a local club captured the top spots in the downtown Christmas parade float contest.

The Yuletide celebration was held Thursday, Nov. 29, on Main Street. Hundreds of spectators turned out for the annual event.

Rain held off for the evening, allowing just enough time for the parade to be held as planned.

Ware’s Grove Baptist Church took first place honors, followed by last year’s top winner Northside Elementary School in second, the Polk County Boys and Girls Club in third, Marietta Street United Methodist Church in fourth and the Cedar Valley Church of God in fifth.

Some 16 floats appeared in the parade which had more than 50 participants, according to Patti Rowell, city coordinator.

Top band honors went to Haralson County High School. The Cave Spring Middle School Band won second place.

The parade grand marshal was retired police chief W.M. Moss.

Jolly Old Saint Nick and four of his reindeer concluded the festivities. After the parade the reindeer were available for viewing at City Hall.

The reindeer, courtesy of Georgia Reindeer of Marietta, were sponsored by the City of Cedartown, First National Bank of Polk County, Regions, SunTrust and United Bank and Trust, according to Paul Pitts, Main Street manager.

This Christmas will mark the 150th birthday of Polk County and so, the theme for this year’s parade was “Birthday Celebration- 150 Years.”

Rockmart has scheduled its annual tradition for Thursday, Dec. 6.