Rain dampened participants and spectators but not holidayspirits Thursday as the Brookhaven Christmas Parade rolled throughdowntown.

Showers earlier Thursday and weather forecasting the wet stuffthreatened to cancel the parade, but the event got under way asscheduled at 7 p.m. Around 7:30 p.m., though, showers sentparade-watchers and even some float riders scurrying for cover.

“I guess it’s a miracle it held off this long,” said SheilaBoutwell as she and others huddled in the entranceway at herhusband Raymond’s law office on West Cherokee Street.

Rita Rich, 2006 chamber president and longtime paradechairwoman, said last night was the first time she could recallrain during the event. The parade has been threatened with rain inthe past.

“One year, several years ago, it rained all day long. But byparade time, it was nothing,” she said.

After about 10 to 15 minutes, the rain moved out and the paradewas able to resume.

“I appreciate everyone who attended. I’m sorry it did rain,”Rich said. “It was a really great crowd.”

Despite the rain, organizers were able to name float winners.They included:

* Overall winner – Cindy’s Daycare.

* Religious – Easthaven Baptist Church.

* General Theme – First Assembly of God.

* School – Precious Moments Learning Center.

* Small Business – Serv Pro of Brookhaven, McComb andColumbia.

Rich expressed appreciation to many volunteers, the PoliceDepartment, “Santa and Mrs. Claus,” and others who helped with theparade.

“The city has never looked any prettier,” Rich said. “Thedecorations are absolutely gorgeous.”

For some, Thursday’s parade was the first time to glimpse avariety of new Christmas decorations put up by the city and chamberthis year. Rich said she was thankful for the new decorations andalso appreciated businesses that have decorated for theholiday.

“I think everyone has gotten in the spirit,” Rich said.