Cows doing the cancan, dancing elves, costumed lions and tigers, and bands of all sizes delighted thousands of people along East State Street in Hermitage during Saturday's Holiday Light Parade.

Now in its sixth year, the parade attracts about 15,000 people from around the area.

"I want to see Santa Claus," exclaimed Nicholas, 3, who came with his aunt, Monica Sly of West Middlesex. He danced to the music of marching bands caroling by and waved at the drummers.

Across the street, David James, 5, of Greenville, laughed and clapped to the Hickory High School band as his friends, Shirley and Daniel Davis, also of Greenville, watched.

David scrambled to scoop up candy and lollipops thrown into the crowd as Mrs. Davis laughed at the elfish antics of the Hickory High School Dance Line.

"I'd never been to this parade," Mrs. Davis said. "But I hear it's very, very good."

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