NATCHEZ &045; Parade-goers jammed the sidewalks along Main Street Sunday under brilliant blue skies to enjoy the Natchez Christmas parade.

Some families have been enjoying the yearly event for generations now.

Josh and Karen Calloway and their family took up positions in folding chairs along the west end of Main Street. Josh’s son, Josh Jr., rode on the Boy Scout float in the early ’70s, and his grandson, Josh III, rode with the scouts in Sunday’s parade. And his granddaughter, Wesley, rode on the Girl Scouts’ float.

&uot;It’s a nice parade. It’s not as big as some were in years past, but it’s a nice parade,&uot; Josh Sr. said.

Elsewhere, 2-year-old Samara Harris was a little frightened by the bright red fire trucks that sounded their sirens as they led the parade.

&uot;She doesn’t like the sirens, but she’ll be OK with everything else now,&uot; said Samara’s father, Sam Harris.

Harris quickly diverted Samara’s attention to the floats that followed, throwing candy along the way.

The fact the parade was held on a Sunday for the first time did not seem to concern most in the crowd.

&uot;It’s fine, as long as they have it between church services,&uot; Kelly Braxtyn said.

And the beautiful weather seemed to underscore the theme of this year’s event &045; &uot;A Southern Dazzling Christmas.&uot;

Sporting sharp blue coats and white pants, the Natchez Middle School Band played a rollicking version of &uot;Jingle Bell Rock&uot; as they marched past the intersection of Main and Commerce Streets.

Andrew Calvit emceed the event, introducing each parade participant as they passed the judge’s booth.

A former parade judge, Calvit said deciding the winners is not easy.

&uot;It’s tough.

Judges have so many things to look at. But floats should try to follow the theme and be creative,&uot; he said.

This year’s winning floats were Natchez Moose Lodge (first place), Concordia Bank (second place) and Girl Scout Troop 357 (third place).

Radio station 95 Country and the Too Hot to Trot Riding Club earned honorable mention.