A dog and its owner, in matching holiday outfits, make their way down German Street together, during the Shepherdstown Christmas Parade on Saturday morning. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Chilly temperatures could not keep the crowd away from the annual Shepherdstown Christmas Parade, as it returned to German Street on Saturday morning.

The parade, organized by the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown, brought the festive holiday spirit to town — something Charles Town resident Carissa Zanella and her two children, Myla and Liam, said they thoroughly assisting with.

“We’ve been coming to this parade for the last 10 years or so, but this is the first time we have ever participated in it,” Zanella said. “It was a lot of fun.”

She and her children marched with the Windward Blooms van, after learning that the business was participating in the parade for the first time this year from its owner, Misha Van Mecl, who Zanella often works with as the owner of the Hillbrook Inn in Charles Town.

“Building community is really important, and showing support to the people that support you is a beautiful thing. I deeply believe in the power of collaboration,” Zanella said. “Walking in the parade was a way for my kids to learn how to be a part of their community and the importance of getting involved in it.”

Shepherdstown Shares board member Jan Hafer walks down German Street with the oversized teddy bear featured at most fundraising events for the nonprofit organization, during the Shepherdstown Christmas Parade on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

The Keys family was also participating in the parade, though they were divided between walking with two groups — eight-year-old Evie walked with her Girl Scout troop, while nine-year-old Michael and their mother, Cara Keys, followed behind her on the Rotary float.

“This is one of those wonderful things about being in a small town that make it such a special place to be. It’s one of the main reasons we decided to move here to raise our family,” Keys said. “This parade is such a wonderful time of community and togetherness.”

It was also, according to Michael, a time of fun.

“I got some nice treats and got to see Santa Claus,” Michael said.

As the parade came to a close, Shepherdstown resident Amy Lindsey packed up her warm blanket and a package of dog treats, before making the short journey back home with her two-year-old Old English Sheepdog, Rufus.

Parade participants wave to the crowd along German Street on Saturday morning. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

“I’ve lived here for almost 13 years, so I’ve been coming to the Christmas parade for that same amount of time,” Lindsey said.

For Lindsey, attending the parade has become a way for her to remain connected with her community and to observe the changes gradually taking place in it, from year to year.

“It’s the full spirit of the community being represented here,” Lindsey said. “I love seeing the different community groups in the parade. You get to see both new and old groups every year, and how they they grow. This is a true community effort.”

The cast for Trinity Episcopal Church’s Living Nativity walk down German Street together, during the Shepherdstown Christmas Parade, on Saturday morning. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

Jong Hap Mu Sool Mixed Martial Arts students demonstrate their skills on German Street, during the Shepherdstown Christmas Parade on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

Santa Claus waves down to the crowd from a truck owned by Morgan Lawn & Services, LLC, during the Shepherdstown Christmas Parade on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

Frosty the Snowman, sitting on an aerial hoop, rides down German Street with the Studio 214 float on Saturday morning. Photo by Tabitha Johnston