An inflatible snowman decotes a train that was featured in the “Rotary Club of Hammond 59th Annual Christmas Parade." Sarah Hess/The Lion's Roar 

The “Rotary Club of Hammond 59th Annual Christmas Parade” drew crowds with its decorated floats designed around the theme of “Cypress Tree O’ Cypress Tree.”

The parade took place Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. and began by the Alumni baseball Field and strolled through downtown Hammond. The Rotary Club also held a best float design competition awarding plaques to the top three. Another competition that took place during the parade was a competition amongst all the bands that marched. Crowd members could vote for their favorite band using Facebook. The winning high school band received $100.

Senior business major Haley Washington used the parade as a chance to relax and take a break from studying for her finals.

“I was staying on campus this weekend so that I could focus on studying,” said Washington. “My roommate told me about the parade and that we should go. I did not really want to because I was so busy getting ready for finals week, but we came and it has been a blast. All of the floats were so cute, and it has been a great break from stressing over finals.”

Washington also believes that the parade was a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

“It was a great way to start off the Christmas season. I love everything related to Christmas, and this parade was no exception. It is also really cool that the parade takes place right next to the university. It makes it very easy for us college students to go. I do not have a car so a parade that is within walking distance of my dorm is really awesome to have here in Hammond.”