Cecilia shines

With Thanksgiving behind them, Cecilia residents welcomed the Christmas spirit Saturday with a parade and caboose lighting.

Jill Pickett

Santa Claus waves at children as he goes by on a Ky. 86 fire department truck Saturday evening during the Christmas parade in Cecilia.

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Jill Pickett

Jonathan French, on the caboose, honorary mayor of Cecilia, hits the switch to light up the caboose Saturday evening during Christmas festivities in Cecilia.

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A 15-year tradition, Christmas in Cecilia kicked off with a parade that included several tractors and emergency vehicles as well as Santa Claus and other costumed Christmas-themed characters.

Long-time Cecilia resident Bob Owsley said “our little town” wanted to kick off the holiday season with something similar to events in Louisville and Elizabethtown.

Because Cecilia is a “railroad town,” Owsley said the town adorns a tree and a red caboose that sits behind The Cecilian Bank on Ky. 86 in Christmas lights.

Anthony Gray, 6, won a drawing to light the tree while Mayor Jonathon French lit the caboose.

The outdoor events were followed by hot drinks and cookies at the Ruritan Building.

Jamie and Erika Watkins, Elizabethtown residents who used to call Cecilia home, bring their children, Emma, 5, and Jenna, 2, every year to the parade.

Erika Watkins, who grew up in Cecilia, said they enjoy Cecilia’s small-town vibe and its residents who seem to know everyone.

“It’s home,” she said.

Sarah Bennettcan be reached at (270) 505-1750 or sbennett@thenewsenterprise.com.