The family of Sgt. Channing "Bo" Hicks attended the parade at the invitation of the Greer Jaycees. The family of Pfc. Adam Ross was the grand marshal. Hicks (Nov. 16) and Ross (July 24) were killed in action in Afghanistan.
The Hillbilly Clan #2 entertained, one driving a vehicle the entire route backwards, while others were bouncing on the hoods and rooftops of their trucks.
Master Kim's World Class Tae Kwon Do had its students demonstrate breaking wood with their feet. Some children in the parade successfully duplicated the feat.
Huge tractors were a hit with many. The loads they were hauling ranged from heavy floats to this red wagon.
More than 100 units, led by the family of Pfc. Adam Ross as grand marshall, and family of Sgt. Channing "Bo" Hicks, led the over 100-unit parade. Ross (July 24) and Hicks (No. 16) were killed in action in Afghanistan.
Beauty queens, representing Little Miss Greer to Miss Teen South Carolina and Miss South Carolina Rodeo Queen, waved from the polished convertibles they were riding.
The Greer and Blue Ridge marching bands and cheerleaders entertained the crowds. Interspersed were floats representing businesses and trucking companies, who had their rigs delicately maneuvering down Poinsett to South Main Street, where the parade ended at the J. Harley Bonds Career Center.
Santa Claus, the traditional finish to the parade, was easily the most popular and anticipated guest of honor.
Santa had a busy weekend in Greer. He helped light the Christmas tree at Greer City Park on Friday, had three breakfast seatings with children Saturday at the Cannon Centre, and finished his schedule at the Christmas parade.
Of note, was the fact that it's the first Christmas parade in three years there was not an emergency call for the Greer fire units to respond.
