Despite Saturday's warm weather, Christmas in Conifer was no less festive.

The 38th annual Conifer Christmas parade down Sutton Road in Aspen Park featured everything a small-town parade should, plus the day was filled with musical entertainment, bounce houses for the kids, beverage tents and a horse-drawn trolley to get everyone from one end of the festival to the other.

Volunteer Chris Heydman worked as a stagehand, noting that musical acts — from saxophone solos to vocal performances — performed longer this year to keep the festival going all afternoon.

Many people commented on how unusual it was for this event to be so warm, but Heydman thought it would not change the atmosphere of the day.

“It's still festive (despite) the warm weather,” he said.

One of the most popular attractions at the parade was the horse-drawn trolley. Grace Harris from Camp IdRaHaJe in Bailey, which provided the horses and trolley, volunteered with the rides.

“People love horses. They are very excited,” she said, noting that the line was long throughout the day as people waited their turn. “(It attracts) kind of everyone — lots of people with small kids, but also couples who want to enjoy a nice trolley ride,” she said.

Jen Rause and her daughter waited in line for a ride, both excited to be back at the parade. The last time they came was two years ago.

“Grandma and grandpa are visiting from Pennsylvania, and we are enjoying the beautiful day,” she said.

The parade itself featured unique floats, political candidates, the Conifer High School Lobos marching band, muscle cars, dressage horses and more. People lined Sutton Road well before it began, and kids kept their hands outstretched in hopes of getting some candy.

The event was attractive for longtime residents and newcomers alike. Phil and Tammy Potter recently moved to Bailey from New Hampshire. They enjoyed many aspects of the day, but Phil said the best part for him was “hanging out with my daughter that I don't see very much.” 

Despite the warm day, people — and dogs — still came clad in their best holiday sweaters and attire, and enjoyed hot cocoa and other hallmarks of the holiday season together as a community.