The sky threatened rain and it was cold as the credit markets, but neither Mother Nature nor the economic recession could damper the spirits of the thousands of Carroll Countians who gathered along the square in Carrollton Thursday night for the annual Christmas parade.

It was the reason for the season that kept many positive, even though their retirement plans may not have been as sunny as they once was.

“I’m not out shopping and buying things like I have in the past. The older you get the more you appreciate those times with loved ones because you forget the material things and the things you receive and the conversations and time spent you remember,” said Debra Dugan, a mother of two in the Carrollton High School marching band, which was in the parade. “Christmas is all about family gatherings and being together. That’s what’s meaningful.”

The parade itself featured 35 floats from area businesses and civic organizations. Aside from the CHS marching trojans, the Central High School band was also there, each playing some of the classic Christmas favorites that will no doubt dominate the airwaves over the next few weeks.

And the parade was just the first course of the evening’s entertainment. After Santa Clause passed by marking the parade’s end, the square turned into a virtual winter wonderland, with cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, letter writing to the big man and even an ornament hunt at the stores on the square, offering the chance to win a grand prize of $200 worth of groceries every month for a year, courtesy of Food Lion.

The evening’s events had a little something for everyone, and it seemed nearly everyone was there, taking in the first wisps of the holiday season.

“I think the parade is huge because it brings the community together. There’s trees and lights and everybody is there together at once. It’s a re-connection of everybody,” said John Upson, of Carrollton.

And in shaky fiscal times, it’s nice to have a steady hand close by.

“You know what’s important to you,” Upson said. “Economies come and go. It’ll rise again and you get through it. You get through it with friends and family and communities.”

Others looked toward a higher power to help ease their minds, especially considering the time of year.

“It’s a wonderful season where we can get together for family and to me it’s the most important religious holiday of the year, which is in the birth of Christ,” said Chris Arant.

He said that as a parent, he has little choice but to get into the holiday spirit, regardless of how the dollar or the stock market may be trading on the day.

“I don’t have a hard time at all getting in the spirit, not when I have three kids who don’t know anything about the economy or 401ks,” he said.