Bluffton holds true to traditions with annual Christmas Parade

As the holidays begin to roll around, people break out the festive sweaters, holiday music, nice silverware and start their favorite traditions to get into the spirit of the season.

For many in the area, the annual Bluffton Christmas Parade is another tradition to be enjoyed.

Locals donning reindeer antlers and Santa hats gathered to watch floats and organizations make their way through Old Town Saturday morning, spreading cheer, throwing candy and playing music as they went.

Groups including the Bluffton Ladies Drill Team, the Bluffton High School Marching Band, the Bluffton Dance Academy, Cornerstone Church, American Heritage Girls and Cub Scouts made an appearance on Calhoun Street and May River Road.

Viewers watched dance numbers, heard carols and saw snow in the South when a snow blower whizzed. Even Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka wheeled by in a decorated bike taxi, waving to the public and tossing candy to kids.

Jordan Potter of Bluffton, brought her husband, Kyle, and her children, Kyle, Jr., 4, and Peyton, 2, out to see the parade for the first time. She said the festivities were a lot like what she used to see back in Virginia and that this was a time of year when people are supposed to come together as a community.

“There’s nothing wrong with trying to do that,” she said. “I think it’s great.”

Kathy Hostetler of Bluffton placed reindeer antlers on her 4-year-old rescue beagle, Kona, at the parade. She said she had lived in Bluffton since 1997 and that she’s watched the parade grow bigger each year.

“Every time the town gets together, it’s a good party,” she said.

This story was originally published December 3, 2016 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Bluffton holds true to traditions with annual Christmas Parade."