Turnout high for rainy Merry Cary

There were more umbrellas and hoods visible than Santa hats during this year's Merry Cary Holiday Celebration and Parade held downtown -- just a day after the season's first snowfall.

But aside from the rain, the festivities, put on by the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, went on as planned and enjoyed a huge turn out, with at least 200 parents and children lining both sides of Main Street.

Holiday tunes -- including "White Christmas," "Feliz Navidad" and "Jingle Bell Rock" -- blared from speakers, inspiring some to dance.

Politicians, beauty queens, churches, community groups and other organizations hurled handfuls of candy out to screaming children.

And as the grand finale, Santa Claus arrived in town at the end of the parade atop a horse-drawn sleigh, complete with huge Christmas presents.

Still, even with the festive mood, some were happier on the sidelines than in the parade.

Eleven girls from Brownie Scout Troop 347, based out of Briargate Elementary School, had been in the parade two years ago.

But this time, scout leaders decided the girls would be better off using the event as a spectator sport.

"They're not in the parade this year because they didn't want to be cold and wet," said Denise Kennelly, the troop's co-leader. "And plus, you can't catch candy if you're in the parade."