The lights were just as bright as the parade made its way south along Main Street through the downtown core. It's the first time in years that it has rained on the parade, which has sometimes enjoyed a light snowfall.

The crowds were a little thinner than anticipated due to the weather, but those who lined the street kept dry with tarps and rain gear. They were rewarded for their dedication with what parade committee Chair John Hayes described as "one of the best collections of lighted floats to date."

The parade, in it's 14th year as a night parade, usually attracts approximately 150,000 spectators.

The parade was broadcast live on Rogers Cable, and will be re-broadcast more than 20 times during the holiday season. The first re-broadcast is this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. (Channel 10).

The Chairman's Award for the best overall float went to Hydro One Brampton, with Rowntree Montessori Schools in second spot and Suzuki of Brampton in third.

Other award-winning floats were:

- Best Large Corporation Entry- Rogers

- Best Small Business Entry- Jake's Boathouse

- Best Service Club Entry- Kiwanis Club of Brampton

- Best Church Entry- Kennedy Road Tabernacle

- Best Dance Entry- The Studio- Theatre, Dance, Performance

- Dance Honourable Mention- Deborah Thomson School of Dance

- Best Sponsor Entry- the Corporation of the City of Brampton

- Best Community Services Group Entry- Habitat for Humanity

- Best Community Entry- CAW Local 1285

- Best Marching Band- Burlington Teen Tour Band

- Best Community Band- Banda Lira Portuguesa De Brampton

- Best Float Band- Brampton Concert Band

- Best Band Honourable Mention- The Quaker Marching Band, New York.