Athens Fire & Rescue Chief Bryan Thornton has held a lot of parade-related positions over the years, from Ardmore High School Band Dad to Ardmore High School Cheerleader Dad to more recently, Athens Fire & Rescue Firetruck Driver.

This year, he’ll move to the front of the parade for the role of grand marshal of the annual Trustmark Christmas Parade.

“We thought he’d be a great choice,” said Jacob Magnusson, branch manager of Trustmark Bank in Athens.

Thornton said he’s not the biggest fan of being out in front, but he’s grateful for the honor all the same.

“I appreciate the honor and privilege of getting to do it, but it ain’t just me,” he said. “I’m gonna be representing this fire department and all they do, because without them, I’m nothing.”

Thornton, who was born and raised in Limestone County, said he’s participated in the annual Christmas parade for years. He used to walk alongside his daughters when they marched in the parade as members of the Ardmore High School Band or cheerleading squad.

This year’s theme

This year’s parade theme is “Floats of Christmas Past.” When asked about his favorite Christmases, Thornton turned again to his children.

“My favorite part of Christmas is family,” Thornton said. “When I became a dad and was able to watch my kids open presents on Christmas, that’s one of my favorites.”

As a firefighter, Thornton found work occasionally meant Christmas being celebrated in the days before the Dec. 25 holiday. Thornton said being able to get together and just enjoy the holiday was enough.

“I have grandchildren now, so I get to enjoy the grandchildren and my children, and of course, the extended family,” he said. “… One of the biggest traditions in my family growing up was going to my grandmother’s house on Christmas Eve. Those were probably some of my fondest memories because that’s when my entire family came together.”

The Trustmark Christmas parade is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. The parade will begin at Athens Middle School (formerly Athens High) on U.S. 31 and follow Hobbs Street to Jefferson Street before ending at Hometown Grocery.