News : Patriotic Parade combines Christmas, tribute to veterans

Craig Streeter's car took on a new look for the parade.

The VSMS cooks honored veterans with their float.

Craig Streeter fires his 'tank' during Lighted Patriotic Veterans Christmas Parade.

Many people participated in the second annual patriotic Christmas parade.

A variety of vehicles rolled along the parade route.

The Vinton Presbyterian Church entry.

This unique car was one of the parade entries.

Groups of Scouts joined veterans in honoring America during the parade.

Scouts walked and rode in the parade.

Mike and Cindy Elwick set up this sleigh for the Nature's Corner entry.

Veterans from VFW, Legion and AMVETS participated in the parade.

Veterans wave to the crowd and thank them for their applause.

The riders were lighted up on this pickup.

This truck from Ervin Motors was outlined with Christmas lights for the parade Thursday evening.

The second annual Patriotic Veterans Christmas Parade featured more entries and a larger crowd of spectators than the debut event of 2009. Approximately 20 floats or vehicles rolled through downtown Vinton, many of them with red, white and blue lights and flags as well as Christmas trees.

Legion Commander Craig Streeter had one of the more interesting entries. He covered his compact car with a camoflage fabric and attached a tube that made the car look like a small tank.

Many others lit up their vehicles or trailers and found ways to create unique entries to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, as well as to offer a tribute to the veterans for their service.