WE LOVE A PARADE

No matter what the occasion, people in Winnsboro flock to downtown for a parade, and this year's Christmas Parade was well attended, despite the need to reschedule. The parade was originally scheduled for Friday, Dec. 15th, but bad weather cancelled it, and it was held Monday, December 17th. Even though it was a bit chilly that night, a hundred or more people gathered to meet friends and relatives, as well as wander through some of the stores that were open before the parade started. A number of folks brought their dogs, too, including Jessica Faltot who brought her poodle, Aly.

According to Jessica, Aly liked everything about the parade except the motorcycles and the sirens.

The Winnsboro High School Red Raider band led the parade again this year, and then performed later at the Depot.

Along with the decorated tractors and cars, there were a few brave souls on horseback, as well as the floats. Ah, yes, the floats. There weren't quite as many as in years past, but they were highly decorated, most of them staying with the theme of "A Victorian Christmas." There was a sleigh, that had to be pulled by a truck since there is no snow in East Texas, but folks got the idea. And the train, decorated by the folks at the Johnston Unit, was a big hit with kids and adults. It also won second place in the competition.

First place was won by The Church in the Wildwood from Winnsboro. Their focus was on the meaning of Christmas, and their float had figures made out of paper mache depicting the Nativity and Jesus Praying in the Garden before His arrest. Pastor Timothy Ross said about 15 to 20 people worked on the float for about three months. That included his wife, Karla, pictured here with the float, as well as members of the congregation.

The detail work on the float was most impressive, and Pastor Ross pointed out that the robe Jesus is wearing in the garden is made from 100 rolls of toilet paper that were torn and then glued and painted.

All the floats were so colorful and well done, that it had to be a challenge for the judges who were from the Hopkins Country Fall Festival Fair Board. Leanne Sparks was the official hostess for Joyce Davis, (seated to Leanne's right) and Susan Neal ( behind Leanne) and Ina Gore, ( to the right of Susan.)

 

Other floats included one decorated by Cub Scout Pack 392, that had scenes depicting camping and other events the boys enjoy. Also on the float was Lori Whorf's English Setter, Wendy, who is a big hit with the boys. Wendy, who is four years old, was recently named Best in Show at the Lonestar English Setter Club.

 

 

 

Not to be outdone by the boys, the Girl Scout Troop 3065 decorated their float to resemble a home with Christmas presents, and some of the presents were live. Melody Carr was the "Doll in the Stocking," and Molly Blair was the Christmas Tree. Madison Tallant and Caitlyn Johnson were "presents."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Christmas parade is complete without good old St. Nick, who was given a ride by the Winnsboro Fire Department.

Before and after the parade, people were invited to have cookies, coffee, and cider provided by the Pilot Club. Serving that night (L-R) was Jane Noteware, Lori Gorman, Sharon Warren, and Sue Horchem. The ladies all said that they enjoy being part of the festivities each year, and it is particularly fun to see all the children who are excited about the parade.

 

 

 

 

Pine Street Baptist Church offered free bowls of chile to warm the folks who stayed for the entertainment at the Depot, and they served a lot of chile.