One of the event’s largest crowds braved chilly temperatures for the 14th annual Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade on Saturday, organizers said.

Hundreds of horses trotted down Massachusetts Street between Seventh and 12th streets, many pulling carriages and wagons from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Some horses had bows tied to their manes; others were clad in bells that jingled with every move.

Outriders, wearing old-style country wear, helped keep the horses in order.

“It’s the nicest parade I’ve ever been to,” said Newt Dodge, of Cedar Point, who steered two horses pulling an 1880s Newton Chuck Wagon. “It kind of puts you in the Christmas spirit.”

Between 7,000 and 10,000 paradegoers lined Massachusetts Street, said Jim Adams, community bank president of CornerBank, the parade’s main sponsor.

“It’s fun, it’s wonderful,” said Carol Calvert, of Des Moines, Iowa, who took a break from shopping to watch part of the parade.

“Hi, horsey,” yelled 19-month-old Merrin Frost, while sitting on her dad’s shoulders so she could see.

The recent winter storm caused about 50 entrants not to show for the horse parade, Adams said. Still, 51 groups traveled from Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas to participate.

“It turned out very well, all things considered,” Adams said.

Only horse-drawn vehicles are allowed, making it one of the largest parades of its kind, he said.

“I don’t know of a Christmas parade that’s any better,” said Marvin Jones, owner of a high-wheeled hitch wagon, who has participated for three years.

The Lawrence Journal-World was a sponsor of the event.