Coats and even blankets were the means of heat as families gathered up and down Procter Street to catch a glimpse of Port Arthur’s Annual Cultural Lighted Christmas Parade on Friday night.

Gabby Hernandez and husband brought along their children and a few extras ranging in age from 3 to 13 to see the parade. The group staked out a spot across from Lamar State College Port Arthur as the kids got their plastic bags ready to catch some candy.

Not far away Ashley Weatherboard and Steve Babb brought along their four daughters to watch the parade.

“They’re more worried about the candy than Santa,” Babb said with a laugh.

During the parade a Motiva Fire Department truck sprayed what looked suspiciously like snow up in the air as firefighters on board tossed candy to the crowds.

Marching bands from Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson middle schools and Memorial High School whose members donned holiday lights and Santa hats made the event festive with their musical entertainment.

Besides participation from local schools there was also floats and lowboys and other decorated vehicles representing KFDM/Fox 4, D.I.V.A.S., Port Arthur Smiles, Constable Christopher Bates, The Salvation Army, New Hope Baptist Church, Pulling All Together Civic and Social Club, New Beginnings Ministries, Lamar State College, Krewe of Jesters, M.I.S.T.E.R.S. and the Mexican Heritage Society of Port Arthur royalty among others.