As the largest crowds yet lined Powell's main downtown business district, the annual ChristmasFest Lighted Parade thrilled onlookers with creative floats, sweet machinery and a holiday spirit. This year's attendance was counted as 3,140 by the parade's sponsors, the Powell Economic Partnership, Powell Chamber and Powell Visitor Center.

After three years of entering, the Homesteader Museum came out on top in the highly competitive float competition with a Candy Land theme, including giant holiday suckers, gifts, characters in elegant outfits and happy gingerbread family and house. It was so tasty looking they were lucky to make it to the finish line in one piece.

Brandi Wright, the museum director, said the entire staff was “super excited” about the victory.

“It was a team effort of volunteers and staff and supported by the Homesteader Museum Association Board,” she said. “It helps remind the community that we're here.”

The winners were rewarded with Powell Bucks. Wright said the winnings would go back into supplies for the museum.

Judges this year were representatives from local law enforcement and the Grand Marshal was new Powell Chief of Police Jim Rhea.

Top three parade floats:

First — Homesteader Museum ($75 in Powell Bucks)

Second — Heart Mountain Hearing ($50 in Powell Bucks)

Third — AmeriCorps VISTAs ($25 in Powell Bucks)