Dance, music, community march down Main Street in Durham 2022 holiday parade

Durham celebrated the season Saturday morning with an annual holiday parade.

There were more than 80 marching bands, businesses, dancers and community groups represented.

Of course, Santa was the main event.

WRAL anchors Ken Smith and Michelle Mackonochie hosted the broadcast of the parade for viewers at home, and WRAL anchor Chris Lovingood was the master of ceremonies along Main Street for those who braved the Christmas-like chill.

On the WRAL float, reporters and anchors, including Gerald Owens, Brian Shrader, Jeff Hogan and meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, greeted the crowds.

Wade Walcutt, Director of Durham Parks & Recreation, is an organizer.

“Our job is to make people’s lives better and in turn, make the community better," said Walcutt. "So this parade, as you can see, people from all over Durham and beyond Durham show up. No matter how old you are or where you live, it is a great place for everyone to shine.”

Durham Chief of Police Patrice Andrews marched along with sworn and non-sworn personnel from the police department who dress to represent their college or university, Greek fraternal and sorority organization or their branch of military service.

Drivers in the parade had to provide proof of a recent inspection, license and insurance information.