Around 130 nonprofits, businesses, churches, governments and school groups turned out for Saturday's annual Covington Christmas parade, which started at Sharp Stadium on Newton Drive and snaked its way down Anderson Avenue, Floyd Street and then around the square.

The parade was sponsored by the Covington Lions Club and Main Street Covington, and this year's theme was "A Southern Christmas in Covington."

Newton County's Teacher of the Year Julie Thompson was honored as the parade's Grand Marshal.

Awards were given out for 1st and 2nd place in school categories (high school, middle school, elementary school and preschools/daycares) and other categories, such as churches, civic groups, boys and girl scouts, corporation and businesses, family, golf carts, and, lastly, horse awards (best tack, rider dress and best group).