Christmas on PARADE
“Home for the Holidays,” a float entered by Mar Mac Real Estate, was awarded a $250 cash prize for winning first place in Hartselle Christmas Parade’s float competition. Riding on the float were the company’s agents and their families.
Bright lights and drum beats put city in step with holidays
Bright lights, band music and candy treats for the kids made a visit to downtown Hartselle a fun-filled experience for thousands of onlookers who lined the sidewalks and streets to watch the unfolding of the city’s annual Christmas parade Friday night.
The Kiwanis-sponsored event may have attracted a record crowd even though it was moved forward one day to prevent a possible conflict with the finals of the Class 5A state football playoffs. Moderate temperatures may also have been a contributing factor.
“I thought the crowd was bigger than what it has been in recent years,” said Randy Garrison, one of Santa’ helpers. “People spilled out on the edge of the streets all along the parade route.”
Leading the parade, behind a police escort was newly elected Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long of Somerville and his family. Trailing behind him were cars filled with municipal officials and members of the Morgan County Commission. Newly elected Sheriff Ana Franklin rode on her own float with family members and friends and behind her was a colorful float sponsored by elected public officials of 2010.
Fifteen colorful floats were strung out along the parade route. They included three cash prize winners. Judged first and presented a $250 prize was the “Home for the Holidays” entry of Mar Mac Real Estate. Winning second place and a $150 prize was the entry of Pine Ridge Day Camp. Girl Scout Troop 10006 was recognized as the third place winner and received a $100 prize.
Musical entertainment was provided by the Hartselle High School Marching band under the direction of Randall Key.
Some of the other eye-catching entries included a decorated classic Volkswagen bus that blew soap bubbles from the limbs of a palm tree and a massive float sponsored by Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church that carried a large sign promoting its live nativity on Dec. 12.
Last but certainly not least was Santa riding atop the city’s No. 1 fire engine, waving right and left to his viewers. Following him were his helpers walking behind a Gator filled with wrapped candy treats. They scooped up the candy and scattered in on the streets for the kids claim as their own.
Christmas parade cutlines
#2050
The bed of a pickup truck afforded these seven kids a good location to view Hartselle’s Christmas Parade. Pictured, from left, are Eli Terry, Brady Holt, Chase Lipscomb, Ty Bailey, Riley Wood, Josie Bailey and Reagan Wood.
#2052
With the help of her nanny, Jeffery Mooneyham, Isabella Mooneyham, 18 months, had a front row seat for her first Hartselle Christmas Parade Friday night. She came to watch her older sister, Madeline, five, march with a group of twirlers.
#2069
Rudolph leads a float carrying employees of Hartselle Park & Recreation Department.
#2074
A bubble-blowing Volkswagen bus makes a grand entry at Hartselle’s Christmas Parade.
#2088
Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church uses a float to call attention to its live Christmas Nativity Sunday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m.
#2093or #20 95
Morgan County’s elected officials in 2010 sponsored this attractive float in n Hartselle’s Christmas parade.
#2105
Hartselle High School’s marching band was a featured attraction in Hartselle’s Christmas parade Friday night.
#2113
A pedal car driver finds a place in Hartselle’s annual Christmas parade.
#2118
Santa greets parade viewers from atop the city’s No. 1 fire engine.
#2123
Santa’s helpers distribute candy to young parade viewers on Main Street.
#2129
Riders on horses bring the Christmas parade to an end.
