VALDOSTA — South Georgians turned out for a very merry Friday night in Valdosta as the annual Christmas parade made its way down Patterson Street.

The Greater Valdosta Community Christmas parade started at Woodrow Wilson Drive, headed down Patterson Street and ended at the Department of Health building in downtown Valdosta. Thousands of merrymakers lined the streets as floats, fire trucks and classic cars followed one after another.

Candy was thrown out to children along the parade route, and food was available both from vendors and from downtown restaurants.

Among the many organizations taking part were various regional fire departments, airmen from Moody Air Force Base and the South Georgia Classic Car Club.

The creative holiday floats were to be judged on overall appearance, special effects, creativity, workmanship, and use of the theme, which this year was “Snow Globe.”