For Bonnie Pemberton of Coal Grove, it was a chance to see her daughter, Amber, march along with her fellow Dawson-Bryant cheerleaders.

For one-year-old Madison Johnson, it was a chance to see Santa Claus. A few thousand people packed the streets of downtown Ironton Monday evening to see the Ironton Lions Club Christmas Parade.

"I like it all," Brandy Kitts, of Ironton said. "I come every year."

Hecla Water Association took home the top award for its float "Toyland." The same float won first place in the Christmas parade in Ashland, Ky., last week. Second place went to the Webelo Pack 38 with its gingerbread house and huge decorative confection. Third place went to Coon Dawg and the Hound Dogs, a local country music group.

The grand finale of the evening was the appearance of Santa Claus, waving from the back of a shiny red convertible.