By Shelley Smithssmith@salisburypost.com


See a gallery of photos from the parade here.

Ninety-two-year-old John M. Brown, a World War II veteran, doesn’t miss a parade.
“I come out here every year,” he said, and attended this year’s with his grandson and two grandchildren.
“I’ve been here every year but two years with him,” grandson Tyler Brown said. “And it’s the second year with the three of us. Three generations.
“It’s a family tradition and it’s fun to come up with my two kids. They get to experience what I did with my grandpa when I was growing up.”
The Holiday Caravan Parade celebrated its 50th year this Thanksgiving eve, and the turnout was phenomenal.
Chase Misenheimer, 7, said his favorite things in the parade were the floats.
“Andy the hillbilly car my PawPaw Tony’s in,” said Misenheimer.
Kate Carter, 7, enjoys the fire truck and loud noise. Her brother Andrew likes the police cars.
John Culver came all the way from California.
“I’m a retired school teacher, and i like seeing all the kids out here with their parents,” said Culver.
Three-year-old Sydarius Truesdale enjoys the drums.
Cordera Fox has been coming to the parade for 21 years.
“This is my hometown and I love Salisbury,” said Fox. “I love the whole parade experience and spending time with my family. It’s a tradition.”
Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ of Spencer had a nativity scene themed float, complete with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the three wisemen and shepards. Harding University High School of Charlotte rocked it out with music and dancing.
The homecoming queens of Dunbar High School’s class of 1960 through 1967 floated down Main Street still looking as beautiful as they were more than 40 years ago.
The following are the first, second and third place floats and parade entry winners:
– Professional floats: First, Bayada Nurses; second, Rowan Regional Medical Center; third, Sonic Drive-in.
– Non-professional, business floats: First, Party Connections;
– Non-professional, nonbusiness: First, New Hope Baptist Church; second, Smith Grove Baptist Church; third, Trading Ford Baptist Church.
– General Chairman’s award, Crescent Cloggers.
– Executive Director’s Award, Salisbury High School Tennis Team.
– Best description of happy holiday theme: North Hills Christian.
– Best religious entry: Dorsett Chapel UCC.
– Carl E. Weinbrunn Award, Party Connection.
– Honor Band: First, Harding University High; second, Jesse Carson High; third, North Rowan High.
– Best drum majors: Carson High School
– Best flag squad: East Rowan High School
– Best drill team: Salisbury High JROTC.
– Dance groups: First, Donna’s Dancers.
“This is really a good parade,” said Brown. “The best I’ve seen. People are really enjoying it.”