Laura Popp and her daughter Emily were both rosy-cheeked and giddy with Christmas spirit by the time the last float rolled through downtown Clarkston in Saturday’s Holiday Lights Parade.
‘It was great,? said Laura. ‘It really gets you in the mood; we’ve got to go out and get our tree now.?
Emily, 12, said her favorite part was the lighted ‘Elvis? and the snowman’also known as Clarkston resident and business owner Curt Catallo’on a mini-bike.
Catallo and ‘Elvis? are both Clarkston parade regulars.
Larry and Judy Loehne, who’ve lived in the area for about 34 years, also cited the motoring snowman as a favorite, and the lighted fire trucks, as well.
More than 40 groups participated in the parade this year, which drew several thousand spectators to gather along Main Street, despite cold temperatures.

Award winners:

Best use of lighting: Independence Township Fire Department?’Ladder Truck in Lights.?
Best use of Theme: Cub Scouts Pack 126 from Clarkston Elementary?’The Island of Misfit Toys.?
Most Creative: Metamora Canine Academy’Christmas Past ‘Unruly, untrained dog,? Christmas Present ‘Training,? Christmas Future, ‘Well Trained Dogs.?
Best Costuming: Girl Scout Troop 1897?’The Grinch who stole Christmas and the Who’s from Whoville.?
Holiday Spirit (largest number of people in the parade): Clarkston Equestrian Team.
President’s Choice Chamber Award: Cub Scouts Pack 163 from Independence Elementary?’Frosty in the Scouting Wonderland.?