Hundreds line Graniteville streets for annual Christmas parade

Landon Stamper, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·1 min read

Dec. 5—The streets of Graniteville were filled with sound Saturday afternoon as the GVW Christmas Parade got underway.

The wailing of fire trucks and police cars, cartoonish honking of antique cars, revving of muscle cars and the saying that will be heard dozens of times over the next month: "merry Christmas."

Hundreds of people packed the parade route, which ran along Canal Street and Main Street, to witness the parade which is held annually by the Graniteville-Vaucluse-Warrenville Fire Department.

Each car, float and other vehicle involved in the procession came bearing candy; lots and lots of candy. Twizzlers, Reese's Cups, suckers and Laffy Taffy were among some of the most-seen types, with children and adults alike snapping up pieces as they came flying through the air and onto the streets and sidewalks.

Several notable folks from around the community were seen throughout the parade line, including U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C.; Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables; S.C. Sen. Shane Massey, R-Edgefield; and Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker.

There was also a cast of Christmas characters interspersed throughout, including the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and several elves.