Excited faces lit up as parade floats rolled down Washington Avenue on Dec. 19 — the third and final parade part of the Olde Golden Christmas and Holiday Celebrations.

Some threw candy — peppermints and other sweet treats — which prompted kids to run into the street and grab a piece. Others waved, and were greeted by the crowd of hundreds with a “Merry Christmas!”

People sang “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” when the Golden Hayride went by, and clapped with enjoyment at the miniature ponies — including Cinnamon driven by Jean Boettcher and Sugar driven by Damara Mathis.

Children love the miniature ponies, Boettcher said. “I enjoy seeing their faces light up.”

The ponies weren’t the only animals people enjoyed on the parade route.

Dr. Tracie Grubb debuted her mobile veterinary business in the parade, showing off Clara, a 16-year-old pug cattle dog. “She’s the rockstar,” Grubb said.

But it was Santa Claus, riding on top of a big fire truck, who was the biggest hit of them all — at least according to 5-year-old Charlie Andres, watching with his parents and newborn baby sister.

Goldenites Cici Richter, 4, and her sister, Aleida, 6, agreed.

“We waved to Santa,” Aleida said, and Cici added they both got lots of candy.

Amy O’Brien of Littleton brought her mother, Carol Pearl, to the parade. A new resident of Littleton, it was Pearl’s first time to visit Golden. She was impressed with the town — and with the parade.

“It’s beautiful,” she said.

It was a great parade, O’Brien said.

“We especially liked seeing the Western things,” she said, “because we’re not from the West.”