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ALBANY, GA -- The Christmas parade in Albany kicked off Saturday on Pine Avenue, with the family of fallen Dougherty County police officer Cliff Rouse flipping the switch on the lights for the Christmas tree that stands in front of the Judicial Building downtown.

After that, Congressman Sanford Bishop and Mayor Pro-Tem Roger Marietta presented Jim Fowler, the grand marshal, with proclamations.

They declared December 3rd Jim Fowler Day!

They were followed by the Marine Corps band, the Monroe High School band, and even Fox 31 made an appearance!

Chief Meteorologist Mike Morrison along with Good Day's Kelly D'Ambrosio and Melanie Kendall passed out candy and blitz footballs to the crowds of children lining up along the parade route.

This year's parade theme was "All creatures big and small".