<b>By DOUG GRAVES<br>
Ohio Correspondent</b> </p><p>

LEBANON, Ohio — What started out as a few horses and buggies has grown to include 140 horse owners. And what attracted a few hundred local patrons now attracts more than 30,000 annually.</p><p>
Lebanon (located in the heart of Warren County in southwest Ohio) may be better known for the Golden Lamb Restaurant and the Country Applefest in the fall, but each December thousands line the streets of this small Ohio city to honor horses during the Lebanon Carriage Parade.</p><p>
“It started out quite small years ago, but in the 19 years it has grown in popularity and now we’ve had as many as 40,000 line the streets for this annual parade,” said John Zimkus, who is on the board of directors with the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce. “We now have 140 horse owners and their carriages participating in this annual event. It’s quite big.”</p><p>
This annual parade starts near the fairgrounds just north of town and works its way down Broadway and meanders through each street of this historic city. Parades are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.</p><p>
Connemaras, Tennessee walkers, miniature horses and even donkeys were among the animals on exhibit this season. Horse owners labored for this event, as was evident by the highly decorative wagons and tack.</p><p>
Shuttles were offered for patrons to and from the parade and streets were off limits to motorists during this event.</p><p>