Hundreds of people flocked to Sutton Road in Aspen park for the 39^th annual Conifer Christmas Parade.

The parade with 35 entries and the street party, all sponsored by the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce, was fun for young and old alike on Dec. 3. In addition to the parade, attendees could check out booths and a craft fair, food and drink vendors, kids activities and more.

The parade itself is everything a small-town parade should be, and this year’s theme was Heroes on Parade. The parade marshals know something about being heroes since they are the chiefs of three area fire departments: Skip Shirlaw from Inter-Canyon, Curt Rogers from North Fork and Jacob Ware from Elk Creek. Fittingly, they rode in the parade on a fire engine blaring its horn.

Floats from local businesses, politicians, children’s groups, theater groups, clubs and more paid tribute to local heroes of every kind from first responders and health care workers to postal workers and parents.

Attendees were treated to horses, a mariachi band, the Conifer High School marching band, dancers and classic cars. The 35 entries paid tribute to the Conifer area’s community spirit.

Finishing up the hour-long parade were Santa Claus and the Grinch riding in an Elk Creek Fire Department ATV. As expected, Santa was his jolly self, waving and smiling at people along the parade route, while the Grinch stood, scowling at attendees.