Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the volunteers, participants and the 14,000 spectators who turned out to participate in and watch Mission's 29th Candlelight Parade last Friday.

"Many hands contribute to making this the largest community event in Mission," said Chamber president Elyssa Lockhart.

"I can't thank the RCMP, their auxiliaries, the Mission Fire Service, the Optimist Club, Coast Eagle Consulting, One Stop Safety Services and Mission Amateur Radio Service enough for all their work in keeping this a safe family event."

With 79 floats participating, the crowd was entertained with marching bands, dance troupes and of course Santa.

The 2014 BC Winter Games promoted their upcoming event and marched with Mission Olympians Brent Hayden and Kate Smith.

Many letters were collected by Canada Post who quickly packed them up for Santa to take back to the North Pole, where he was able to get to thanks to Ryco Truck & Crane providing Santa wheels for his sleigh.

The event was the result of the fine work and support of the parade task force and parade sponsors, said Lockhart.

The many volunteers that helped build the Santa float also deserved kudos, she said.

"The whole parade really is a coming together of community at such a special time of year," said Lockhart.

"It is an honour to be able to organize it each year."

The Chamber also announced this year's winning Candlelight Parade floats:

- In the commercial category, first prize went to GA Checkpoint Yamaha, followed by Canadian Tire and First Class Waste.

- In the individual category, first prize went to Speaker Advocate for Therapy Dogs - Donna Andres, followed by Henry the Christmas Pick-up and Clark John.

- Sun Hang Do took first in the marching battalion category followed by the Air Cadets 521 Aurora Squadron and the MEI Screaming Eagles Marching Band.

- Abbotsford/Mission Recycling won the non-profit category followed by Parkside Church and the Mission Minor Softball Association.

- In the school category, Kids We R Daycare won followed by W.J. Mouat and Valley Christian School.