SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Despite the literally freezing temperature, Spanish Fort’s third annual “Spirit of Christmas” parade drew throngs of enthusiastic onlookers Dec. 5 to the Eastern Shore Centre.

Donna Dunning, the city’s permitting clerk, said the parade boasted a total of 45 entrants and drew cheers from the shivering but passionate crowd.

“Everybody seemed to have a good time, and I’ve already gotten e-mails from people who participated this year who want to do it again next year,” Dunning said.

District 3 City Councilman Joe Thomas served as grand marshal for the festivities that included appearances by both the Spanish Fort High School and Cottage Hill Christian Academy marching bands, Miss Faulkner State, America’s Junior Miss contestants, the Dogwood Trail Maids, and the USS Alabama Crewmates.

Dunning said Vietnam War veteran and Spanish Fort Dentist Dr. Barry Booth was also honored during the parade. Booth was recently named 2009 Veteran of the Year by the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission. Booth was instrumental in mobilizing Honor Flight South Alabama and has worked tirelessly to establish a state-owned veterans cemetery near historic Blakeley.

Dunning said several World War II veterans who took part in Honor Flight also took part in the parade.

Although awards have been given in the past to individual floats, Dunning said both the awards and $25 entry fees were nixed this year to keep the community event from becoming a financial strain.

“We’re just glad everybody came out in the cold and had such a good time. Mark your calendar for Dec. 4, 2010,” she said.