The Christmas Spirit was alive and well in Stuart Saturday, as the 47th annual Patrick County Christmas Parade rang in the season.

Many parade goers braved the chilly temperatures and threatening skies to capture memories of the season.
From start to finish, parade goers got a taste of seasonal cheer courtesy of a caravan of participants, including various volunteer fire departments and rescue squads, beauty queens, churches, veteran groups, scouts, businesses and many others.
Wishes of “Merry Christmas” filled the air, as an errant elf touted the upcoming visit from his boss, and the Patrick County High School Band, the Pride of Patrick County, performed a medley of Christmas favorites like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Joy To The World.”
In between their performances, children welcomed chants of “Here comes Santa Claus down Main Street” with cheerful smiles. (Photos by Jaymie Mordue and Jamie Hall)