Residents packed the freshly revitalized streets of downtown last weekend for the return of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade, enjoying brisk weather as horses, dance troupes, local celebrities and Santa himself rolled past.

“People were so happy it was back downtown,” said the Chamber’s Jilda Fairhurst. “The crowds were great. I only wish it (the parade) had been longer.”

A total of 40 entries took part in the event, which returned to the city’s traditional core after making way for construction last year. Dirk Zeigler and Ken Seamann, co-chairs of the revitalized and highly successful CornFest this year, served as grand marshals.

This year’s theme, Support the Troops, helped make Ray Ansick and his POW/MIA Corvette the winner of the Best of Parade trophy. In addition to using his custom ’Vette to escort troops home when they return from deployment, Ansick, a veteran and former prisoner of war, provides emotional support for returning service members and their families.

The awards will presented at the chamber’s annual holiday mixer, held Dec. 15 at First Bank, 6590 Lone Tree Way in Brentwood.

Here’s a rundown of the winning entries in this year’s parade.

Best of Parade – Ray E. Ansick’s POW/MIA Corvette.

Best Float Entry – Dainty Center/Willow Wood School.

Best Band – Liberty High School Marching Pride.

Best Auto Entry – Northern California SSR Club.

Best Novelty Entry – Bamboo Village Martial Arts.

Best Equestrian Group – Charros Los Costenos De Brentwood.

Best Equestrian Entry – Los Vaqueros.

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