- We're back for part two of our afternoon of Christmas parades on KAMU.

I'm Chelsea Rebert, joined by Zach Taylor and Zach, we're headed to downtown Bryan for this one.

- Yeah it's the only line of parade in the area, Chelsea, and it's a beautiful sight with all those historic downtown buildings in the background.

- The parade is getting underway now on Bryan Avenue.

The downtown Bryan Holiday Stroll and Lighted Parade, Zach, this is a really fun parade.

It is done at night and so, every entry is gonna have a lighted component to it.

- [Zach] Yeah and shout out to all the Destination Bryan folks for the hard work that they did to help put this on.

And really, it is a crown jewel of the Bryan College Station area.

Downtown Bryan, a lot of fun and lots of people love going.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, you can see the destination.

Bryan's staff, they're starting off the parade.

They've got some kids in the background with different signs, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and you can see the crowd at this thing.

I mean, it is just a packed parade, a ton of people wanting to see what this parade has in store and they're gonna get it started off with BCS Toyota.

So we've got a bunch of employees and their families and of course, some really nice Toyota vehicles.

- [Zach] I was about to say, you can't have BCS Toyota without a great Toyota vehicle and going along with the nice trailer there, Bryan College Station, Toyota, lots of folks doing business with them throughout the years and a great float they've got this year.

- [Chelsea] And I love those lighted, almost like candy drops and stuff.

- [Zach] Yeah, like lollipops or something?

Yeah.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, lollipops and then they've got the things hanging and then of course, another great Toyota truck there with the Toyota flags and that's gonna be followed up by Rudder High School and the cheerleaders are gonna get things started off for the Rangers.

- [Zach] Rudder, of course, one of the newer schools in the Brazos Valley but they have got a long and storied tradition throughout their athletics and their cheer programs and great to see them represented tonight by the Lady Ranger Cheer squad.

- [Chelsea] And then of course, the Ranger-ettes, the dance team from Rudder High School, they are involved as well.

And you'll hear 'em before you see 'em, it is the Rudder High School Band.

(bombastic marching band music) - [Zach] Loud and proud.

- [Chelsea] Yep.

And I love the lights on some of the instruments.

I'm sure not everybody, you have to be careful, what kind of instrument you play before you start decorating things.

You don't wanna necessarily knock out a Christmas light.

- [Zach] No, you don't wanna end up putting a light in your oboe.

You got the Bryan Texas Utilities, BTU coming in strong.

If a strong wind or a storm were to knock down your power, hey, they're there to help fix it up and got that great work ethic, those guys over there do and the other families getting to enjoy some time here with the Bryan Christmas or the Bryan Holiday parade.

- [Chelsea] And just a really cool bucket truck.

I mean, that is so much fun and then obviously behind it, we'll see a lot of hay.

Hay is definitely a popular seating component for a lot of these trailers, but a really cool float there by BTU, such an important company and business in our community, truly keeping the lights on.

- [Zach] Yeah, keeping the lights on your gingerbread house for you for sure.

Big Shots Golf Aggieland coming in.

Now, I don't think anybody's gonna be taking any swings here tonight, but it is a lot of fun to get to go.

I know both you and I have been able to go out there a few times and it's a neat place if you haven't been able to go yet there in the park and getting to hang out and got a nice parade float this year.

- [Chelsea] So do we think that's a groundhog?

I think it's a groundhog coming out of the hole.

- [Zach] That she's dressed up as?

- [Chelsea] Exactly, exactly.

You don't wanna find any groundhogs I guess on your golf course, but luckily with Big Shots, you don't really have to worry about that.

- [Zach] No, you don't.

- [Chelsea] The Blinn College Dental Hygiene Program, and this is a really great program they have at Blinn College, getting all of those young people ready to go into the dental hygiene industry.

You can see the Tooth fairy.

You've also got some great smiles both as a decoration and on the people on the float.

- [Zach] Right.

If you're gonna enjoy candy canes this year, you gotta use some floss, gotta brush your teeth.

Be sure the kiddos know that as well.

- [Chelsea] Nice crowd shot right there.

You can see everybody lined up on either side of the street and they are getting ready for the next entry.

It is KBTX Media.

They've got a lot of reporters that are walking behind the weather edge, which is the weather vehicle, always chasing down those storms and making sure we are ready with all of the information we need.

- [Zach] And I believe weather wizard, Max Crawford, is driving the sleigh there and waving to some folks so I'm glad that he brought some great weather for tonight's festivities.

- [Chelsea] And some really nice lights, of course, as this is the lighted parade.

You're gonna see lights on all of the entries and again, a shout out to the KBTX media team of reporters walking there behind the weather edge.

- [Zach] Oh, got the Grinch coming in for the Shurtleff Law Firm.

Marcicar Yeur at Shurtleff, recently elected city councilwoman, hanging out as well.

- [Chelsea] And this is kind of a combo.

This is also gonna be with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

So behind the Jeep on the trailer, you're gonna have some young people who are involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, just a great organization here in the community.

But check out that Grinch.

That's gotta be the best Grinch we've seen, this holiday season, decked out in the cowboy hat and the sparkly green jacket.

- [Zach] Very shiny.

Gotta put those sunglasses on.

Your light's shining too bright today, Grinch.

- [Chelsea] Again, Big Brothers Big Sisters, a great company or great organization, I should say, in town and they are also involved with this entry.

Great float, right there.

- [Zach] Kingdom Outreach Ministry coming in.

Boy, they have got a lighted trailer.

Very nice.

And of course, doing great work here in the Brazos Valley for young folks.

Important messages for young people as well, but got a lot of folks there on the trailer hanging out with them today.

- [Chelsea] And as much fun as we have during the holidays and as, you know, you talk about the Grinch and you talk about candy and things like that, the message that they are sharing during this holiday season, just such an important message and of course, letting all of the youth know that Jesus does love you.

- [Zach] And you got the little, white wedding chapel on wheels.

So if you feel so inclined, you could get married tonight.

They got it coming in, they're taking marriage and it's on the road.

So be sure to call that number and you can hang out with the minister.

He's one Pastor Walker, his licensed ordain.

- [Chelsea] There he is.

(chuckles) - [Zach] There he is and he will marry you tonight.

- [Chelsea] That's a great, great truck.

Sterling Therapeutic Massage is gonna be next.

That sounds like a pretty great thing as well.

And they're gonna be followed very closely behind by the Las Palapas, I don't know what he is.

Maybe an enchilada?

- [Zach] Or a burrito.

- Could be a burrito.

There we go.

Anything tasty and Mexican food from Las Palapas, I'm game.

- And I don't know if they have, if you're gonna be going to any tamales, but this is a good time of year, - There we go.

- If you'd like to enjoy some tamales from Las Palapas.

- They are on the whoop wagon, so that was a lot of fun.

And then up next, you've got Service Insurance Group Incorporated.

Now Zach, I love the theme of this truck, gnome for the holidays.

So you're gonna see all of their employees and everyone on the float with gnome hats and then of course, they have a gnome home on the trailer.

- [Zach] You know, and that could also work for a little storage unit on top of your head.

You can put a lot of stuff in a triangular shaped hat like that.

- [Chelsea] Reclaim Junk Removal is gonna be following up, and they've got a nice Mickey Mouse on top of the truck with a tree.

They've got a Grinch sticking out of the window.

Man, they have a lot going on in this float.

- [Zach] Got a light up Grinch, naughty or nice.

We hope that you're staying nice but if you're gonna be naughty, at least do it for the right cause, right?

You got junk removal and you can remove a lot of stuff with a trailer of that size.

- [Chelsea] I was gonna say, if you've got junk, it looks like they have enough room to remove it.

So, great entry right there by the Reclaim Junk Removal.

(Zach laughing) - [Zach] You got Cornerstone Entry Solutions coming in for a Griswold Christmas.

I believe that's Cousin Eddie's RV driven by Clark.

And there, in fact, is Cousin Eddie.

- [Chelsea] Everybody's favorite uncle, right?

- [Zach] Yep.

He's coming in.

- [Chelsea] They really were dedicated to the theme.

- [Zach] He needs to go find somewhere to put that besides in the sewer, you know what I mean?

- [Chelsea] I love it.

It looks like it might have been a golf cart that they outfitted to look like the RV.

That's incredible.

Stage Center Community Theater, one of the many theater groups that we have in town but you better believe, Zach, their costumes are gonna be perfection.

- [Zach] I was about to say they're used to being on stage.

They have no problem with this crowd whatsoever.

Oh, twirling that thing.

That is awesome.

Some kind of captain pirate that we've got going on and a little Victorian era hat going on as well.

- [Chelsea] Bryan ISD Transportation and you better believe they're bringing out a big, yellow dog.

It is a school bus from Bryan ISD and they've got employees and kids actually on the bus, waving outside the window.

But man, you talk about an important part of the school district, it's transportation.

- [Zach] Oh, yeah.

Kids need to get to school on time and they're making sure that they do it, for sure.

- [Chelsea] Now another bus, but a little bit of a different concept.

This is the Bryan ISD library services.

So, Words on Wheels is their mobile library and Zach, it's really incredible what they do with this thing.

During the summer, they will travel to different areas of the city, allowing kids to come on and pick out books and read books and really keep that summer reading going all summer long because we all know when you're not in the classroom, sometimes it's not as fun to have to read.

But Words on Wheels keeps it going.

- [Zach] Right, and a very cool concept as well.

Speaking of cool concepts, you got the Bryan College Station Habitat for Humanity float and looks very familiar.

Wondering if we got a house that was built coming in and of course, BCS Humanity, Habitat for Humanity does so much good for the Brazos Valley and the area and it's great to see these folks out here this year, as well.

- Yeah, and there's a live dog.

I love to get to see the little pups on the float, but he has taken a ride on the back home for the holidays, of course.

What a great theme for Habitat for Humanity and you can see their building work right there.

Great frame they've got over the house, all decked out in Christmas lights and then of course, the different shelving units throughout the house where they've got different presents and decorations for the holidays.

- And talk about a team building exercise, try building a house with someone else or a bunch of other people.

That's what Habitat for Humanity does all the time and doing a great, great service for the Brazos Valley.

- [Chelsea] The SFA Odyssey Academy, this is part of Bryan ISD where dreams are launched is their slogan, and you can see a bunch of the students on the back of their float.

- [Zach] Looking excited to be there, glad that this isn't necessarily the traditional, schoolwork you have to do.

I mean, how would you like that for homework?

Oh yeah, by the way, we want you to be at the downtown Bryan Christmas Parade.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, absolutely.

And that's what I love about this parade is they get so many young people involved and even if it is just, hey, walk behind the float, high five other young kids, show them what they could be one day.

- [Zach] And what would a Bryan parade be without Bryan ISD coming in hot, the student ambassadors for Bryan ISD helping lead by example.

And so, good to see them here tonight.

And the other fun thing about this parade is that the crowd is so close that you're able to interact with a lot of the patrons, a lot of the folks watching, these younger kids that look up to these older kids so that's neat to see.

- [Chelsea] Oh absolutely.

Ambassadors representing all of the schools in Bryan ISD, you can see superintendent Ginger Caravine there on the back of the trailer with all of the inflatables.

She's got some other employees and children from Bryan ISD there as well.

And again, Bryan ISD, just such a big part of the community.

Whether you've got kids in the school district or you just live in the school district, you know, it's amazing what they've done over the last few years, improving and just getting better and better, giving children so many opportunities.

- [Zach] I'm a little jealous of those headbands they've got.

That's pretty awesome.

The Bryan ISD Air Force Junior ROTC.

Good to see these guys out in uniform looking spiffy as always.

And talk about building leaders from a young age, JROTC certainly does that and Bryan ISD is a leading example.

- [Chelsea] And you talked about it, Zach, and those little kids who are watching this parade going, "Hey mom, who are those guys and girls?"

And just being able to represent and show them what they could be.

Somebody else I might wanna be when I grow up, the Bryan High School cheerleader, the Viking Cheer squad out in full force tonight with their pompoms, spreading some cheer and they are followed closely by the Bryan High Shy-Annes, the dance and drill team.

The Shy-Annes celebrating an anniversary this year and just doing an incredible job for the high school.

Mentioned it earlier as well, but they got to perform.

Some of the girls actually got to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City.

- [Zach] Yeah, and just a shining example of folks from the Brazos family helping represent.

Also got the Bryan High School band that's falling in behind, making some noise for Christmas.

- [Chelsea] Led by the color guard in front, and then you've got the band marching behind.

Love a live band during a parade, just bringing that live music and check out those decorations.

Doing a nice job, some of those instruments lighting up.

Those drums are all decked out.

That's really, really cool.

- [Zach] And I don't know about you, but my wrapping skills as far as wrapping gifts is not very good.

So, the fact that they're able to wrap drums, good for them.

- [Chelsea] I was gonna say, my wrapping skills are okay but wrapping a drum is still a totally different skill to have.

- Got a little mistletoe going on right there on the trombone.

Little garland.

- Coming up next, it is the Renovation Wranglers.

Now get this, well first of all, get this.

Take a load of the T-Rex.

He is getting down with that candy cane, having a great time.

So Renovation Wranglers, they revive dilapidated homes.

They're basically house flippers.

It is a mother-daughter duo and they have gotten together to make this into a business, and you can check out their skills with that house on the back of the trailer.

- [Zach] I've actually seen some of the work that they've done throughout the Brazos Valley.

It really is amazing.

So if you see stuff like this a lot of times on HGTV, that's what we're talking about and they do a tremendous job and, yeah, did a great job on the float as well with all those lights and little makeover right there for that home.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, really pretty kind of a candy cane theme, so a lot of fun right there.

Coming up next, it is the KRHD News team and they're gonna have some reporters following along in the truck, and then of course one of their anchors there in the bed of the truck.

- [Zach] I actually get to hang out with the KRHD folks on the afternoons on weekdays, doing little sports reporting for them, so good to see the quote unquote coworkers out and about, lighting up the night.

- [Chelsea] So many different ways to get your news in town.

KRHD, one of those news sources that is trusted here in the Brazos Valley.

Coming up next, it is the Whimsy and Wild Emporium.

Now Zach, I don't know if you've been to this store, but it is really, really cool.

They're gonna have an awesome gingerbread there on the back of the Jeep, but just a really fun place to take kids in downtown Bryan.

- [Zach] I'm certainly gonna take my kiddo there.

He's getting to that age, he's looking at stuff, he wants me to buy things for him and of course, he's got a long list for Santa Claus too.

- [Chelsea] Believe Therapies is next and they're gonna have a really great trailer with some pretty cool inflatables, employees, and their kids along with the rest of the group.

- [Zach] You got Mickey in the background.

It's always good to see Mickey out and about.

- [Chelsea] A cute little penguin family.

- [Zach] Oh!

- [Chelsea] Little bit of speed bump right there.

Yeah, glad they were going the speed limit, whatever the parade speed limit is.

- [Zach] The kids hung on.

That's the most important thing.

We're good to see everybody stay put.

Aggieland High School, the cheer squad coming in.

Of course, Aggieland High School, one of the alternatives, international leadership of Texas.

So good to see those ladies out and about and cheering, getting people ready for the Christmas season.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, I still think the cheerleaders, any cheerleaders are some of my favorite part of the parade because they're like walking decorations with those pompoms.

- [Zach] Basically, yeah.

- [Chelsea] They can cheer, they're loud, they just bring so much spirit really all year round.

- [Zach] Harmony Science Academy, the Bryan PTO coming in.

We mentioned, you know, in addition to the public schools, you obviously have a lot of educational opportunities that we're glad are available in the Bryan College Station area.

So, Bryan Harmony Science Academy coming in, they've got some of those light up inflatables, those balloons that you were so fond of.

- [Chelsea] Those are awesome.

- [Zach] And some of the kiddos hanging out as well.

That's a big candy cane.

Hope she crosses after that one.

That would take a while to consume for sure.

- [Chelsea] Oh, absolutely.

Absolutely.

Oh, and there he is.

It's Buddy the Elf.

That's the first Buddy we've seen.

- [Zach] What's his favorite color?

- [Chelsea] What a great costume.

That's incredible.

- [Zach] Bye, Buddy.

Go make fun to your dad.

- [Chelsea] Now not so sweet is that abominable snowman.

This is the Anderson's Family Remodeling and Restoration.

We saw them in the BCS Christmas Parade and this is just an absolutely incredible structure that they've created out of 3,000 milk jugs.

Those are recycled milk jugs made into a big, big igloo.

- [Zach] Yeah, these guys for sure went above and beyond.

There's Elvis once again.

Forgot to shave this morning, but he's rocking and rolling.

The king lives, hanging out in the back of the float.

But yeah, the milk jugs and just the attention to detail that they did, can you only imagine what they'll do to remodeling and restoring your home?

- [Chelsea] And then this is also part of their entry.

You've got the Grinch just behind and check out those lights on the igloo.

That is so much fun.

Another little dog along with the elf and, man, what a realistic Grinch.

That's great.

- [Zach] That's Max, the Grinch's little dog.

- [Chelsea] Oh, there you go!

- [Zach] Yeah, that's Max.

Don't know if he's gonna be hooking him up behind a sleigh at all, but you got Frosty the snowman hanging out as well.

- [Chelsea] Man, if I knew that Santa wasn't ahead, this might be a great finale right here for the parade.

He is awesome.

- [Zach] I mean, you know, it does end up being a good story with the Grinch and he is able to get together with the Whos of Who-ville.

- [Chelsea] He comes around eventually.

- [Zach] He does, he does.

He finally embraces Christmas tradition.

The Rudder High cosmetology program coming in.

We talked about some of these younger folks, learning a trade, learning what they wanna do for the future and this provides 'em a great opportunity.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, how awesome is it to get that specialized training so early on, whether you wanna be a hairdresser, a barber, a makeup artist, there's so many opportunities with cosmetology and for these young students to be able to get an idea of what they wanna do and get that training early on, it's just such a huge advantage and a really great program that they have there at Rudder High School.

- [Zach] And you got the barbering coming in as well so as you mentioned, that's all kind of part of it.

- [Chelsea] And they're gonna be followed by maybe what they could be someday, a professional at Chrome Salon.

Chrome Salon, their owners and some of their employees in their awesome white Cadillac convertible and again, great weather in downtown Bryan tonight to be driving with the top down.

- [Zach] So a fun story, I actually got to hang out in that Cadillac convertible on my wedding.

- [Chelsea] Oh really?

(laughs) - [Zach] Yeah, we got to rent it out for a few hours.

So that was a lot of fun.

- [Chelsea] That is awesome.

Following them is the Bryan High School baseball team and this is pretty cool.

You don't always see a specific team getting involved in a parade.

But the Bryan High Baseball program, they wanted to be a part of the parade.

They've got the flag wavin', they've got their jerseys on and they're looking forward to hopefully what'll be a really good season.

- Yeah, Vikings had a great year last year, looking to follow that up again this season.

- [Chelsea] Next, we've got the Arrowmoon District Pack 327, Boy Scouts of America, the Cub Scout Pack 327 right there on the trailer.

And I love the idea behind this float because you've got the wiring that goes over, creates that arch and then allows you to get all of those Christmas lights on there.

- [Zach] Yeah, sometimes, you know, the kids are a little rowdy.

You just gotta cage 'em up.

(Chelsea laughing) - [Chelsea] That's exactly what it is.

- [Zach] It's a great float and I'm glad the kids are having fun with it.

Very lit up, and we've talked about Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, tremendous organization that really builds camaraderie and gives kids an outlet, something to do and really get in touch with the outdoors.

- [Chelsea] Gotta love the tent on the back as well.

They might just go camping in it later.

Who knows?

- [Zach] Waving to all the kiddos as they're going on by.

- [Chelsea] BVCog and WIC program are next.

WIC, of course, women, infants and children and then BVCog, Brazos Valley Council of Government, two very, very important organizations here in the community.

We've got a couple of stuffed animal type sorts who are gonna be coming along with these two.

Lions Rule, so there you go.

You've got that and just going along and that's what's also fun.

You have all sorts of characters in this parade.

There's another Grinch.

Gotta love the the Grinch, and then I think there's also gonna be a monkey, it looks like.

- [Zach] Oh, there she is.

- [Chelsea] She's gonna be walking around and also giving some high fives to kids who are not scared.

- [Zach] You gotta watch out for that tail, though, you know and that can get in the way.

Just make sure nobody steps on it.

- [Chelsea] St. Andrews and St. Thomas Episcopal churches, also involved in the parade tonight.

They welcome you in Bryan, Texas and I really, really love this particular float.

This is an actual tractor that is pulling the sky along.

How cool is it to be that little kid, getting to ride up there on the tractor?

- [Zach] Old school tractor for sure and as we said, St. Andrews and St. Thomas Episcopal, two pillars of faith here in the community, so good to see them.

Unleashed Outreach Ministries, you've been leashed but now you've been unleashed, rolling in with a big trailer as well.

Got the gooseneck there and they've got a couple of pillars on the back and kiddos riding on some hay, just getting to enjoy themselves, even making a phone call if you need to.

- [Chelsea] Yep.

(laughing) It's a nice part about a parade.

You have a little bit of time.

You can do whatever you need to.

Well, and you mentioned it, Zach.

This is such a unique parade because the audience is so close and so you really feel like you get to connect with the people who are there watching you and the people that are on the parade because you gotta remember they're all neighbors.

They're all Bryan residents or Bryan College Station, I should say, in the area.

Neal Elementary has a really, really great entry as well.

What a cool truck with that candy cane crisscross right on the front.

- [Zach] Yeah!

Yeah, who needs longhorns whenever you've got candy canes you can put on the front grill?

- [Chelsea] And then of course, some Regal Eagles from Neil Elementary here on the float.

Some of the students taking part with the inflatables as there as well.

A lot of fun and a really great experience for some elementary school students to be able to take part in the parade.

- [Zach] Yeah, imagine.

I mean, if this is their first time and being able to be a part of this and seeing all these folks who are waving to them and cheering them on, it's a pretty neat deal.

- [Chelsea] Oh, these are great, some inflatable characters.

You've got a gingerbread man and a Christmas tree, having a ton of fun, also being chaperoned right there by a Neal teacher just in case they get a little outta hand.

- [Zach] I was about to say, isn't the gingerbread man supposed to be running at this point?

I'm pretty sure he is trying to get everybody to catch him, right?

- [Chelsea] Definitely wanna make sure though that we give plenty of high fives, of course.

- [Zach] Coming in, it's the Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

And we talk about so many different organizations that provide a great service to the Brazos Valley.

This one without a doubt is doing some good work here and great to see these folks out and about, as well, getting to enjoy the festivities.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, lots of volunteers onto the trailer.

I love the candy theme.

You've got the lollipops and the gum drops and all sorts of things they got.

It's making me hungry and then of course, the beautiful candy cane made out of the tinsel.

A really, really fun float.

- [Zach] Bryan High School FFA, getting kids started young, taking responsibility and just being able to raise different animals and being able to show different animals is so important.

I know there's so many people that are involved in it, so Bryan High School FFA, one of the best you'll find and so good to see these kids out and about and getting to showcase their talents.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, the gingerbread house, and I love on the sign how they have integrity and community, some of their mission, some of their values, leadership and inspire also on there and that's exactly what the FFA aims to do.

- [Zach] Currie Lawn and Landscape, if you need some landscaping for you, they might even put a wreath up just like they did there.

Great logo by the way, as well.

Got some trees up and even some hay.

If you need some hay bells on your lawn, maybe they can provide some assistance there.

- [Chelsea] Check out those ear muffs.

How cute is that with a little elf hat?

I love to see when families get involved in the parade.

So you've got obviously the employees, but then you've got their kids and you've got spouses and it's really a family effort.

Same thing with Spherion Staffing.

They are also gonna have family members on the float and this is kind of a fun float.

It's actually Willy Wonka themed.

And so, you're gonna see candy.

You're gonna see a dog, again, getting the whole family involved and you can see it says Wonka there at the top.

You've even got the little oompa loompa man there on the side of the brick building.

- [Zach] Gotta watch out for those guys or they're gonna have to de-juice you with the de-juicer, I think.

But yeah, Willie Wonka, an interesting film for sure.

There's Willie himself.

- [Chelsea] Yep, little street performance.

- [Zach] Good to see he's out and about and I'm guessing Charlie's on there as well.

The Bryan United Little League coming in.

Home sweet home.

That's a pretty neat looking inflatable, got home plate right there and even some of the kiddos rocking their jerseys tonight.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, this is really cool.

Little league, to me, something I grew up involved with, you as well Zach, and just created so many memories and so many friends that I still have from my little league teams.

And so, it's a really, really cool deal that they still have such strong, little leagues here in the Brazos Valley.

- [Zach] Also Brazos Star Credit Union, boy, talk about tons of lights on that truck.

It is lit up, and the float as well.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, this is an incredible entry.

I don't know if they gave awards for these parades, but this is definitely in my top couple.

Just a really, really awesome job.

A ton of lights, a ton of waving people which you gotta love.

You gotta get engaged.

You gotta make sure that you're waving to the crowd and some really, really neat decorations.

- [Zach] Yeah, branched out a little bit.

Got some purplish, pinkish, - [Chelsea] Right, you've got different colors, - [Zach] Lights going on, yeah.

- [Chelsea] Non-traditional Christmas colors which you gotta love.

- [Zach] Yeah, exactly.

Brazos school for inquiry and creativity.

If you wanna be creative, inquiring minds wanna know.

They're out representing today as well, so it's good to see those kiddos out and as we said, get 'em started young.

They're inquisitive.

They wanna learn things.

And so, Brazos School for Inquiry and Creativity.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, and they're gonna actually have another entry right here, following up where they're gonna have a really nice, big trailer.

Mickey and Minnie are gonna be on the back and check out the roof on this thing.

It is lighting up, it is changing colors.

They've got all sorts of stuff going on.

A ton of kids involved with the lollipop decorations, candy canes, Christmas sweaters, they've got it all, the Brazos School for Inquiry and Creativity.

- [Zach] They got a little snow there on the trailer.

Well, I didn't know it was supposed to snow tonight.

(Chelsea laughing) Maybe they were coming in from out of town and picked some up on the way home.

- [Chelsea] Nice big gingerbread man there on the side as well.

And again, I just love to see how many people are involved.

You've got so many people walking behind the trailer wanting to be a part of it, all the kids right there, making sure that they're waving and saying hi and Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.

- [Zach] Yeah and it is a lot of fun for the kiddos.

As fun as it is for adults, the kids I think really get a kick out of all of this and being able to see everybody waving and smiling faces.

- [Chelsea] Check out the bow on the front of that suburban.

Hillier Funeral Home coming up next, a beautifully lit Christmas tree and they have a little bit of a baking theme here.

We've got chocolate chip cookies all over the trailer.

Those look absolutely delicious and then of course, you've got the bakers.

They've got their oven mitts on, they've got their aprons on so I really, really love the cookie theme they've got going over at Hillier Funeral Home.

- [Zach] It's gonna take you a while to work through those cookies, no doubt.

Might need a little milk, some eggnog maybe to help wash it down.

JG Creatives Photography and Calligraphy, boy, that is something I am terrible at, but I have a real respect for what they do.

And yeah, photography, you need some photos being taken, some calligraphy, just some creative artwork going on, they can help you out.

And so, showing off the creativity there with their float and that awesome tree.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, and they've got some kind of bubble machine back there.

They've got the bubble juice ready to go and you can see the bubbles floating all around their float.

R and J towing and recovery is coming up next and man, they have got some really nice stuff going on here with the big tow truck and the trailer.

They've got some family members there waving at the audience.

- Little puppy dog I think was sleeping on the ground there, wanting somebody to rub his stomach maybe.

- That's a fun inflatable, looked like a little dragon.

And then of course, they've got a Grinch as well.

He's gonna be walking up behind the tow truck, making sure that he is also spreading some holiday cheer.

- [Zach] Oh, and you got Mr. and Mrs. Frosty hanging out on the back of the tow truck as well, waving to everybody, wishing folks a Merry Christmas.

Hopefully they get back in time before they melt.

We don't want that to happen, not on parade day.

Oh, a little baby Frosty, too.

- [Chelsea] Whole family's involved in this one.

- [Zach] Little mini Frosty.

- [Chelsea] So shout out again to R and J Towing and Recovery.

Now Zach, we've got a lot coming up with Galicia Finishing, quite a few cars in this parade, all of these guys coming from the same group and you've gotta check out the, spokes?

I don't even know what you would call them.

- [Zach] Yep, the spokes.

- [Chelsea] The spokes on the next couple of cars, I mean, look at that.

You know, reach out, get a little bit of a touch, but all I know is that I'm not great at parallel parking and this would make it just near impossible.

- [Zach] Well, it would be a way that nobody would park around you, though.

- [Chelsea] There you go.

- [Zach] You would have a parking spot anywhere you went.

But yeah, if you're in the finishing vehicles, you gotta showcase what you do, right?

And why not bring out a bunch of vehicles to let people know the kind of work that you do and decorate 'em in the meantime?

- [Chelsea] Yeah, this one's really cool.

Love that powder blue.

Just such a great finish.

And you can hear the different sounds that they're making and just really, really impressive work that these guys and gals do.

And again, you gotta make sure you got lights on it because it is a lighted parade.

- [Zach] And a great hooded ornament as well right there.

That's always a lot of fun.

Got a kiddo in the back.

He's really excited.

(Chelsea laughing) - [Chelsea] There's only so much waving you can do.

- [Zach] This is true.

- [Chelsea] They're not all beauty queens in training.

- [Zach] Maybe next year he can stay up for the entire time.

- [Chelsea] I really like this one.

Love that navy blue.

Absolutely gorgeous finish right there.

- [Zach] The spinners on the tires right now, making it look like they're not actually moving when they are.

- [Chelsea] Galicia Finishing, again, just a great group, awesome cars that they had in the parade today.

- [Zach] Little sunroof action, the moon roof that you got going up on top.

Guess it's technically a moon roof that doesn't move all the way.

- [Chelsea] Next up, Bless Your Heart 4 Life CPR, a really, really cool organization, Zach, because they teach people how to do CPR.

So you can be a lifesaver, learn CPR.

This is a group that can help you out and I just love that they decided to get involved with the parade and be an entry right there.

You can see it.

Call that number if you wanna learn CPR and some of these awesome people can help you do just that.

- [Zach] That's such a simple way to keep you and yours safe and healthy and making sure that you're prepared if anything were to happen and it's a great skill to have for sure, something that you can take with you.

Staying alive, I believe, is the right beat.

- [Chelsea] Yep, there you go.

There you go.

- [Zach] Great song.

Mobile Veterinary Services coming in as well, and Chasing Tails Mobile Veterinary services by the way.

- [Chelsea] And I've seen this van around town quite a bit.

They do a lot of work and sometimes, you have an animal who doesn't necessarily like going to the vet.

- [Zach] Right.

- [Chelsea] And so, when you can have the vet come to you for so many different reasons, it's just so convenient.

- [Zach] Again, the Bryan Animal Center as well, doing a lot of good around the Brazos Valley, taking care of all the dogs and the cats and things that need to be taken care of and there you have a small dog pool and a sleigh up at the top.

(Chelsea chuckling) - [Chelsea] And I know that they have some holiday specials so if you're looking for a new furry friend this holiday season, be sure to check out the Bryan Animal Center.

Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, what a great museum here in the community.

Got the old vintage car coming out which is just awesome, but you talk about really cool events that they have going on.

Newly elected Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and City Councilman James Edge, sharing a golf cart in the Bryan Parade.

- [Zach] Glad they're getting along already, so swimmingly as they're riding down.

And of course, the city course, the Phillips Event Center, part of the city of Bryan.

So good to see everybody out and about.

- [Chelsea] Councilman Paul Torres right there in that golf cart and making sure to spread some cheer, then you've got Kevin Burisky, I believe, another newly elected councilman, followed up by Ray Arrington.

So a few the new council members showing off in the parade with their decked out golf carts.

(Zach chuckling) - [Zach] Got the spinner going.

That's awesome.

I want one of those.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, those are really, really cool.

- [Zach] I'm waiting to procure some of those.

(Chelsea laughing) You got district two volunteer fire department.

Talked about how important it is, just the work that these folks do.

And again, from a volunteer standpoint, they're giving of their time, they're giving of their effort, pride of curtain as you can see there and I know they take a lot of pride in the work they do.

- [Chelsea] Yeah, absolutely.

Hear such good things about our volunteer fire departments and like you said, Zach, volunteer working outside of their normal work hours to make sure to protect their community.

Really glad that they were able to be involved with the parade today and who doesn't want to show off their fire truck whenever you can?

- [Zach] You gotta sound the horn as much as you can, let the kiddos check it out and they're getting an up close and personal view of it at this moment.

- [Chelsea] CHI St. Joseph Health EMS, another very important part of the safety of our community.

The ambulance also going down the street, showing off its lights, probably not its sirens.

I can't imagine wanting to necessarily blare those that close to the crowd.

- The city of Bryan, the Bryan Parks and Recreation.

If you wanna go over and play some volleyball, play some basketball, play some pickleball, you can do it all at the New Legends Event Center at the park in Bryan and boy, you talk about a community, what would you have without your parks, your recreation, those opportunities to get out and play?

- Yeah, absolutely.

Coming up next, it is the Bryan Fire Department with the battalion chief.

Again, a huge part of this community.

Thank you to all of the firefighters and the staff and the employees in the fire department for your service, protecting our community and again, showing off that awesome truck in the parade.

- [Zach] College Station ISD Transportation, Candy Land is the theme of their float this year.

Got plenty of lights, plenty of colors, and is that a frog, I believe, is eating a large cookie?

- [Chelsea] You know, it may be a Bryan parade, but that's what I love about this community.

Two cities, one community, you've got College Station ISD getting involved as well, showing off their bus, showing off their transportation organization.

- [Zach] Oh, check this out.

The Brazos Valley Model As coming back in, bringing out those old Model As in mint condition and how cool is that?

You can hear the old toot toot horn they've got.

That would be a lot of fun just to get to ride around for a little bit, much less in a parade.

That's neat.

- [Chelsea] I think she's got a light up scrunchy in her hair.

That's awesome.

(Zach laughing) You gotta make sure you get the lights going wherever possible, whenever possible.

Absolutely love to see these old vintage cars getting involved in something as modern as a lighted parade in downtown Bryan.

- [Zach] And I think if you have the big teddy bear in there, does that count if you wanna go in the carpool lane?

- [Chelsea] HOV lane?

Absolutely.

No, don't take my word on that.

(laughs) - [Zach] No, no, no.

Would not risk that.

- [Chelsea] I think we've actually heard stories of that not working out, but oh Zach, there he is, the man himself.

Bryan Broadcasting and Santa wrapping up the parade.

A beautiful red truck, looks perfect with his suit as he is being towed to make sure that he ends the parade on a high note.

- [Zach] And as you can see, got that twinkle in his eye and getting to enjoy riding on that big red sleigh with all of those presents for all the good boys and girls.

- [Chelsea] And a quick shout out again to Bryan Broadcasting who happens to employ both of us, so we are always excited to see them involved in the parade as well.

And then you can't finish a parade without a Bryan Police escort.

Thank you to all of the Bryan police officers for your service in protecting our community.

- Well, we hope Santa and all the floats and bands we brought you put a little holiday cheer into your day.

And remember, you can watch the parades again anytime online.

- We're grateful to our supporters who help make local programming on KAMU possible and you can be one of them by giving online.

On behalf of the entire team at KAMU, Happy Holidays to you and yours.