By HEATH HARRISON, MARK SHAFFER

Temperatures had dropped into the 30s this week for the first time, and the cold may have thinned the crowd, but the Ironton Christmas parade took place downtown on Monday.The event, organized by the Ironton Lions Club, started on Second street, then looped through downtown returning on Third Street to the Rotary Fountain and featured five divisions.

Ironton High School’s band were near the front, accompanied by the school’s cheerleaders, while another high school, Green, also took part later in the lineup.

Both of the city’s dance studios were present for the event, as well as staff from UK King’s Daughters in Ashland and numerous local fire departments.

The event ended with the arrival of Santa Claus, who, riding on a Jeep in his traditional red colors, waved to children along the way.

The event took place prior to the Christmas at the Courthouse event at the Lawrence County Courthouse two blocks away.

At the courthouse, visitors were greeted by the sounds of Tri-State STEM+M’s Charles Dickens Caroling Choir performing seasonal classics, first in the lobby and then on the second floor.

Choir director Bethany Himes, a music specialist at STEM+M High School, said the choir’s name and Victorian-style garb was chosen “because we wanted to bring that sense of old school caroling.”

The choir has sung at the courthouse event since the commissioners started it four years ago.

“The choir loves it,” she said. “It is gorgeous here, the decorations are gorgeous and the kids in their costume it really brings a kind of magic. And the acoustics make it really fun to sing in. So, it is something we look forward to every year.”