For the 28th consecutive year, Marines joined City of Albany officials by leading the Celebration of Lights Parade in downtown Albany, Ga., Dec. 15.

The annual tree lighting ceremony signifies the start of the parade and this year was done by Marines with the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program.

As thousands of spectators lined the streets along Pine Avenue, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany represented the first five entries: the MCLB Albany Color Guard, a Military Police Officer escort, Military Working Dogs and accompanying handlers, Marine and Noncommissioned of the Year and command representation from the Base Executive Officer and Base Sergeant Major.  Military personnel showed off other Marine Corps assets that included two Humvees.

“For the past 28 years, the Marine Corps has been a part of our parade and we could not do this each year without their support,” said Lorie Farkas, parade coordinator. “It’s an awesome thing for the community to see our military and for young boys and girls to see what they can be when they grow up.  For the adults in attendance, this is a chance to see the military at its best, up close and personal.”

One of several Marines participating in this year’s parade said she enjoyed seeing the smiles on the faces of the children along the parade route.

“It was great to see such a large turnout for the parade this year and it was great to participate for the second year in a row,” said Sgt. Hope Timberlake, noncommissioned officer of the year, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany. “Last year I was a member of the MCLB Albany Color Guard detail, so it was different being inside a tactical vehicle."