Santa waves from a firetruck during the Christmas Parade in downtown Columbus Wednesday night. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Walker Robertson, 8, Jasper Drouillard-Wagner, 8, and Carmel Ryals, 12, ride on the Mississippi University for Women float during the Christmas Parade in downtown Columbus Wednesday evening. Walker is the daughter of Ted and Libby Roberston. Jasper is the son of Jill Drouillard and James Wagner. Carmel is the son of Chanley Rainey. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

The 2025 Grand Marshal Jo Shumake waves to the crowd during the Christmas Parade in downtown Columbus Wednesday night. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Rebecca and Anderson Fearn, 5, catch “snow” falling during the Christmas Parade in downtown Columbus. Anderson’s father, Andy Fearn watches with excitement. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Parade participants wave from the Columbus Recreation Department float during the Christmas Parade in downtown Columbus Wednesday night. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Coleman Headstart Queen and King, Honeii O’Neal and Ayden Sherrod wave to the crown during the Columbus Christmas Parade downtown Wednesday night. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

A Christmas squirrel and Colin Krieger haul a Christmas tree during the parade in downtown Columbus Wednesday night. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

A Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tractor sits atop the Wade Inc. float during the Columbus Christmas Parade downtown Wednesday night. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

A car decorated with lights, garland, ornaments and presents rides in the Christmas Parade Wednesday night. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

The Grinch rides with Ward 6 councilman, Jason Spears during the Christmas Parade in Columbus Wednesday night. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff