GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Downtown Gastonia, North Carolina, was turned into a winter wonderland for their annual “Christmas in the City” celebration on Sunday.

The event kicked off with a parade at 5 p.m., in which Gastonia Police Department’s K9 bloodhound Bo served as Grand marshal. Bo was announced the winner of the American Humane Top Hero Dog Award back in November.

Following the parade, there was a Christmas market, featuring business vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities before ending with a tree lighting ceremony at the Rotary Pavilion.