A Toyland Christmas
by Maryann Miller

Capturing the spirit of every childhood fantasy 'Toyland' was the theme of the annual Christmas Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony in Winnsboro, Monday, December 2nd.

The festivities, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce,began with caroling at 5:30 pm. Then the parade came down Main Street at 6:00pm and the official tree-lighting took place at 7:00pm. Holiday wishes were expressed by Mayor Caroline Jones and City Manager Ronny Knight, then Stormi Parker, Young Miss Lake Fork, had the honor of turning the lights on, and the crowd was entertained by Chelsey Gibson, who sang a selection of Christmas songs.

From all appearances along the parade route, the entire population of the city turned out for the events. Carlton and Gloria Stringer were there with their daughter Kali, her husband, Chris Giles, and their son Carter. This has been an annual event for the family since forever, and Gloria commented that "it's just a great opportunity for the family to get together and have some fun." Kali also welcomes the occasion to "see a lot of people we know but don't see very often."

The parade had over 32 entries from large floats to antique tractors to horse-drawn wagons and children on bicycles. Prizes were given to the floats that best portrayed the Toyland theme, with Keller's Creamery taking third place with their "Toys Through History." The Main Street Committee received second place for their "A Gift For Winnsboro," and first place went to His House Ministries for their grand presentation of "Jesus is The Reason."

The judges, Mercy Rushing, Economic Development Director for the city of Mineola, Barbara Musgraves, Mineola Vice-Chair of Main Street, Michelle Stegman, Pittsburg Museum Director, and Bette Holcomb, Main Street Director for Pittsburg, were challenged to only pick three winners.

Prizes were also awarded for storefront decorations. Flowerland received an honorable mention, A Kid's Dream took third place, Winnsboro Floral was honored with second place, and first place went to Main Street Gallery.

Debbie Boles, who chaired the committee that organized the events has done this for the past five years and loves it. "Every year I say I'm not going to do this again," she says. "But I do. It's just so much fun. I love to see all the people who are getting so much pleasure from the parade and other activities."

This is the first year Ms. Boles was able to watch the parade. Usually, she is organizing the start-up, making sure entries are lined up in the right order and ready to go. She was excited about getting to watch this year. "Now I get to experience it first hand. What fun."
Perhaps that sentiment sums it up best. What fun it appeared to be for everyone.