Someone got their wish early this year: The weather was ideal for the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade on Sunday.

Under clear skies and comfortable temperatures, the holiday event in the village saw streets lined hours before the 3 p.m. kickoff.

Sponsored by the Mechanicsville Rotary Club and Mechanicsville Ruritan Club, the parade — like the Hanover Tomato Festival — is a tradition that boasts 100 entries, including high school marching bands, fire/EMS vehicles, elected officials, veterans, scouts and, as expected, that jolly ol’ elf, Santa Claus.

The past few years, Santa brought the North Pole cold with him to Mechanicsville. For 2011, however, the weather was welcoming — and the turnout was proof.

Capturing awards were: Atlee Community Church, Kidstaff, Best in Keeping with the Theme (Memories of Christmas); Mechanicsville Riding Club, Best Equestrian Unit; Fishers of Men/Starlight Children’s Foundation; The Zeghringer Family, Best Motorized Unit — Small (Non-Commercial); The Village Bank, Best Motorized Unit — Large (Commercial); Tuckaway Harbor, Best Motorized Unit — Small (Commercial); and Hanover Historical Machinery Club, Judges Pick.

The grand marshal was NBC 12 anchor Sabrina Squire. This year marked her second stint in the prominent role.

Another tradition of the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade is the voice of Jack Ward. Once again, he handled the duties of master of ceremonies, announcing parade participants as they neared the grandstand area on Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Ward recognized the Rotary and Ruritan clubs for their work in organizing and staging the parade.

He also pointed out the participation of the 2011 Hanover Christmas Mother, Anne Geddy Cross, as well as the Ruritans’ role in the annual fundraising program.

As the Color Guard of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9808 of Mechanicsville approached, Ward told the crowd to “keep our veterans in mind this Christmas season.” His remarks were met with applause and cheers.

Col. David R. Hines, Hanover County sheriff, was thanked by Ward “for keeping Hanover County safe” as his vehicle made its way along the parade route.

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” filled the air, thanks to the Atlee High School Marching Raiders.

A strong presence of future military personnel marched in the parade. Students in the JROTC programs at Lee-Davis and Atlee high schools were among them.

Brandy Kieper, Bella Moncure and Jillian Moncure, Miss Mechanicsville, Junior Miss Mechanicsville and Little Miss Mechanicsville, respectively, waved to the crowd as they made their way through the parade.

Students at Jessica Morgan’s School of Dance performed “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” as they continued along the route.

“The Grinch” ran past by a float carrying members of the Hanover Ruritan Club.

Doing flips and cartwheels in the street were students at Aerial East Gymnastics.

Elected officials who took part included Deborah Winans, Ed Via and Elton Wade, Hanover County Board of Supervisors, and Del. Chris Peace.

At the end of the parade, a tree lighting ceremony was held at the Windmill Branch of EVB.