Festivities Fill Aiken Streets During Spectacular Hoofbeats Christmas Parade

Festivities Fill the Streets of Aiken at the Hoofbeats Christmas Parade

Aiken, SC, was alive with the holiday spirit this past Sunday, December 15, as the community gathered for the annual Aiken Hoofbeats Christmas Parade. It was a delightful day, marked by a mix of sunshine and clouds, with a high of 66°F, making it perfect for revelers of all ages. As the day came to a close, clear skies transitioned into low clouds and fog after midnight, but the warmth of the parade still lingered in the air.

Santa’s Grand Arrival

No sleigh? No reindeer? No problem! Santa Claus made his entrance aboard a charming horse-drawn wagon that trotted through downtown Aiken, bringing cheer to everyone in attendance. Accompanying Santa were lively carolers, Lisa Tharp-Bernard and her husband Brian, who perched themselves on a bale of straw and started off a sing-along of favorite holiday tunes. From “Jingle Bells” to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” their joyful spirits ignited the crowds.

“This is our first time riding in the horse parade as carolers,” Tharp-Bernard shared with infectious excitement. Their enthusiasm was evident as they belted out songs, lifting the spirits of onlookers and adding to the festive atmosphere.

A New Twist on Tradition

This year brought some changes to the beloved event, which has traditionally been known as the Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols Parade. New organizers, a revised route, and a fresh title made for a unique experience. Andrew Siders, the chairman of the committee overseeing the parade, voiced his pride in the event’s success. “This year’s procession was super successful!” he exclaimed, noting the large crowds that lined the streets, excited to enjoy the festivities.

With the parade route taking a new path, Siders was pleased to see “everyone come together and it was seamless.” Smiles filled the faces of volunteers, participants, and spectators, effectively capturing the essence of community cheer. “The crowd this year was bigger than last year’s,” he added, emphasizing that the changes seemed to resonate well with the community.

Equestrian Enthusiasm

Among the participants were equestrians who traveled from out of state, eager to participate in such a joyous occasion. Serene Pifer and Diane Cross journeyed from Georgia, sharing their love for the parade and all things equestrian. Pifer rode Emmaline, a stunning palomino quarter horse, while Cross guided Max, a thoroughbred with a storied past. “It represents everything that Aiken embodies,” Pifer said, highlighting the camaraderie among fellow riders and the joy of having fun with their trusted horses.

Cross added, “I love that the children are so excited about the horses. It encourages them to get into the horse world and sparks their imagination.” It was clear that this event captured the hearts of not only the equestrians but also the young attendees.

Celebrating the Community

Aiken residents turned out in droves, with families sharing the experience. Channing Bump, riding her quarter horse Cruz along with her husband Wayne and their daughter Cheridan, felt like the procession truly brought everyone together. “You get the ‘sidesaddlers,’ the foxhunters, the eventers, and more. It’s all about horses!” she exclaimed.

Wayne shared in the excitement too. “I like seeing all the other dogs and conversing with dog people,” he added, clearly enjoying the community feel of the parade. It was a whimsical day filled with laughter, smiles, and a profound sense of belonging—everything a parade should embody.

Wrapping Up a Successful Day

The Aiken Hoofbeats Christmas Parade featured approximately 200 registered participants, each adding to the eclectic mix of horses, carriages, and holiday cheer. With the spirit of Christmas shining bright, Aiken proved once again that community and tradition go hand in hand, creating memories that will resonate for years to come.

As the festivities wrapped up and the fog rolled in, the joy and warmth of the day remained in the hearts of everyone who experienced the magic of the Aiken Hoofbeats Christmas Parade. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the holiday season in style!