The Christmas season is officially here, just ask the thousands of people who lined Third Street in downtown Ironton last night for the annual Christmas parade, sponsored by the Ironton Business Association.

"I wouldn't miss it,"

Tonya Matney, of Ironton, said. "Ironton has had a Christmas parade for years. It's tradition."

"I came to see Santa," joked George Sharp, of Ironton."But I'm afraid he'll just come and bring us cold weather."

Just down the street sat the Manns: Amanda, Rick and four year old daughter Celsea. They were bundled up against the cold, but Celsea's eyes were bright with expectation.

"It was my idea to come," Celsea Mann said. "I came for the candy!"

Those walking the parade route didn't disappoint Celsea and the other children who lined the parade route with their hands outstretched. Candy canes and Tootsie Rolls were tossed onto the street for the kids to pick up as the participants went marching by.

The Grand Marshal's award this year went to Hecla Water Association. A giant snow man fronted "The Christmas Express," a child's fantasy train, decorated with strands of twinkling Christmas lights.

The Grand Marshall for this year's parade were the employees of the Liebert Corporation, chosen for their continued service to the community.

Following the marching bands, beauty contest winners and fire trucks was the perennial man of the hour: Santa Claus. The jolly fat man made his entrance sans reindeer in a sleek Christmas red convertible, flanked by waving young elves.

Students from Ohio University Southern taped the parade. OUS Director of Electronic Media Don Moore said the parade is tentatively scheduled to be aired at 7 p.m. Thursday on Adelphia Cable channel 2.