NATCHEZ — Rain and candy fell to the streets in abundance Tuesday morning as the 81st annual Santa Claus Parade took to the streets of Natchez.

And while the weather dampened the ground, it didn’t dampen the spirits of onlookers and participants.

As the parade made its way to Eastwood Road, children and adults braved the elements to wave at Santa and catch candy being thrown from the long line of vehicles.

“It was a mess today, but I was still surprised by the number of kids who were standing out in the pouring rain to see Santa,” Santa Claus Committee Co-chairman Johnny Byrne said.

Eastwood Road residents Janet and Mike Goldbach had their grandsons Ethan, 5, and Evan Wilson, 2, visiting for the day, and they got to see Santa as he drove by throwing candy to them.

Goldbach and her husband, Mike, said their favorite part of the parade comes from the spirit of the event.

“With the sirens and the excitement, you just want to get out there as fast as you can and grab your Christmas hat,” Janet Goldbach said.

Further down the street, Ricky Stevens and wife, Rhonda, stood at the home of Rhonda’s father, George Souderes, with umbrellas covering their family.

Rhonda Stevens said the parade brought back special memories to her, but also made new ones for her family.

“I love seeing my kids faces when Santa Claus gets closer to the driveway to throw them candy,” Stevens said.