BLADENSBURG — Drizzly weather only slightly dampened the 39th Annual Bladensburg Christmas Parade on Sunday afternoon. The weather held the entries to 28, but the holiday spirit was evident, and children scrambled for candy thrown out by parade entrants.

The drizzle stopped just as the parade started out from the East Knox Elementary School at 2 p.m. The parade route through the village was about three-quarters of a mile. A flag unit of Boy Scouts and the East Knox High School band led the parade. Bringing up the rear was the always lively Walhonding Rube Band, playing its tunes while riding on a trailer with straw bales for seats. And, of course, Santa Claus was present, riding in a jeep.

Judged the Best of Show among the parade entrants was a restored 1930 Ford Model A car owned by Rick and Annett Hannah. The trophy for the best walking unit went to the East Knox High School band.

The best fire department entry went to Brian Hess with L.E.P.C. vehicle. A Farmall BN tractor took the best antique tractor trophy. The Bladensburg Post Office float won for best merchant.

The best antique vehicle was entered by Graden Thomas, and the Bladensburg Masonic Lodge float was judged the best civic entry. Knox County Commissioners Allen Stockberger, Bob Wise and Teresa Bemiller judged the parade.