BLADENSBURG — What a difference a year makes.
A year ago, the annual Bladensburg Christmas Parade was hammered by and eventually postponed because of a severe winter storm. But the 41st edition of the event came off Sunday without a hitch and was greeted by a crisp and beautiful late fall day.
Hundreds of people lined the mile-long parade route as several dozen entries assembled at Bladensburg Elementary School for the 2 p.m. start.
All manner of automobiles, trucks, tractors and animals of the two- and four-legged variety took part, and they were sandwiched between VIPs both leading the parade and bringing up the rear.
At the head of the parade was retiring Knox County Sheriff David Barber, who has participated in 15 Bladensburg Christmas Parades and was honored this year as the grand marshal. Sheriff Barber was followed by the East Knox High School Marching Band.
Anchoring the festive event, riding in a Jeep since there was no snow for his sleigh, was everyone’s favorite, Santa Claus.


