Mount Olive welcomes Christmas season

The North Duplin High School Marching Rebels were one of four local high school bands to perform during the 2021 Mount Olive Christmas parade Saturday.

Eight-year-old Isabella Teachey stands beside the Christmas tree at Southern Bank park with her one-year-old brother during the Light up the Town celebration in Mount Olive on Friday evening. Teachey is a second-grader at Carver Elementary School.

Lynn Williams served as Grand Marshal for the 2021 Mount Olive Christmas parade. She is the assistant corporate secretary and public relations manager at Mt. Olive Pickle Company.

Miss Greater Mount Olive Area Queen Anna Marie Cox waves to the crowd during the Mount Olive Christmas Parade on Saturday morning. Cox is a second-grader at St. Mary's School in Goldsboro.

Three-year-old Ellie Barbour picks up a piece of candy after a float rides by during the Mount Olive Christmas Parade on Saturday.

Ten-year-old Ariel Decker, front, stands in front of the Christmas tree at Southern Bank park with Mr. Santa Claus, Speed Jones, right and Mrs. Claus, France Jones, left. Decker is a fifth-grader at Mount Olive Middle School.

The Southern Wayne Junior Air Force ROTC marches down Center Street during the 2021 Mount Olive Christmas parade Saturday.

Southern Wayne Marching Band drummers keep the beat as they head down Center Street on Saturday morning.