EDWARD — One of Beaufort County’s smallest communities celebrated Christmas in a big way Sunday afternoon.

Edward Christian Church hosted its second-annual parade, the final of such events in the county this Christmas season. Parades were held earlier in Chocowinity, Washington, Bath, Belhaven and Aurora.

“We do this to bring the community together for one purpose and to celebrate the birth of our Lord,” said David Linton, pastor of Edward Christian Church. “It was such a success last year that we decided to do it again.”

To bring home the message of the birth of Christ, the church adds a little something extra to the parade.

“It’s traditional to end a Christmas parade with Santa Claus, but we also end with Jesus in the manger,” added Linda Linton, the pastor’s wife.

The honor of serving as grand marshals of this year’s parade went to Billy and Dorothy Bonner, the eldest couple among the church’s congregation.

Also on board for the festivities were local dignitaries, Sudan Shriners, Cub Scouts and representatives of the N.C. Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Beaufort County Water Department, Southside High School and S.W. Snowden Elementary School.

Rounding out the lineup were entries sponsored by area churches and businesses, along with a collection of classic cars and antique tractors. Fire departments and rescue squads from Aurora, Blount’s Creek, Grantsboro and Chocowinity were on hand, as well.