It was a cold and rainy day. Organizers were proud to report, however, that the Eighth Annual Rock Run Christmas Parade, held Saturday, Dec. 19, was a huge success.

“It went fantastic!” said Grady Rhinehart, parade committee member and one of the founders of the event. “We had 141 entries, which was about 15 more than last year. And if it weren’t for the weather, we would have had more.”

Pre-parade entertainment was provided by the local Gospel/Bluegrass Group Born Again. The Rev. Wendell Dutton, director of missions, Cherokee Baptist Association, gave the invocation.

The Cherokee County Association of Volunteer Firefighters Honor Guard led the parade. Following tradition, Joe Hillman was Grand Marshal for the event.

“He is in his 90s now and has been doing it ever since we started,” said Rhinehart. “In the past, he would drive the tractor and his wife would drive the backhoe. And they were in their 80s! It was unreal!”

This year’s parade, Rhinehart noted, consisted of several floats with nativity scenes, many which were decorated with lights and one standout, the Terrapin Creek floaters, which carried a fishing theme. The parade also included shriners from Cedartown and Atlanta.

Rhinehart estimated that Rock Run Baptist Church and Union Grove Methodist Church fed some 500 people hotdogs and chili on parade day. “The Lord Blessed us with all of this food to give back to the community,” said Rhinehart.

Rhinehart said the Rock Run Parade began several years ago. The entry fee is a $5 donation and all funds raised go back into the community.

“We have purchased two Welcome to Rock Run signs and also a flagpole for the cemetery,” said Rhinehart. “We hope to be able to purchase a generator in case something happens. We have a lot of homebound people in this community.”

The Rock Run Christmas Parade Committee is composed of Rhinehart, Lee Browder, Brian Jennings, Benny Reese, and Harvel Hardin. Earl Cromer and Mona Reynolds, who both passed away this year, were also active members.

Rhinehart said the parade’s popularity continues to grow.

“You can be yourself,” said Rhinehart. “Your entry has to be decent, but if you want to enter your four-wheeler, you can do it!”

Rhinehart expressed his appreciation to the local firefighters who participated and also a special thanks to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver and deputies who helped with traffic control.

For those who would like more information on the Rock Run Christmas Parade, call Rhinehart at (256)447-7366. It is not to late to make a donation, he said.

“We hope more people come out next year,” said Rhinehart. “It is always the Saturday before Christmas unless something happens.”