Winter wonderland came to the Gainesville Christmas Parade Saturday night as floats and entries made their way along the California Street parade route during a seasonal cold snap.
The crowd cheered as the snowflakes started falling from the roof of the County Courthouse and out into the street.
“They haven’t done that before,” Tim Fielder said as he looked up and saw the snow coming down.
KGAF Radio’s Dee Blanton announced the Parade of Light entries at the courthouse stage and told the crowd this was the 11th year for the lighted Christmas Parade.
Floats and entries were decorated for the “Jingle Bell Rock” theme this year.
The sidewalks were packed around the courthouse and down California Street with on-lookers dressed and wrapped from head to toe to keep warm.
Kids carried glow sticks and wore neon necklaces sold by vendors along the parade route.
“This parade is getting larger and larger every year,” said Paul Pecora, who stood on the sidewalk with his family watching for his son and grand-daughter on one of the floats. “We come every year.”
Grand Marshall of the Parade of Lights, Airman Ryan Cunningham, was the first entry to come down California Street.
He was followed by a wide array of floats, vehicles, horses and people festively decorated with Christmas lights and color.
Down for the Crown, the local Christian car club, had several entries with classic cars, some rockin’ and bobbin,’ aided by air bags and Christmas tunes.
Clogging down the street came the Rockin’ Red River Cloggers, who are based in Cooke County.
Buddy, the skate-boarding dog from Saint Jo, came along the route with Christmas lights on his vehicle.
The fire departments of Callisburg and Gainesville participated as well as about 22 motorcycles from Christian motorcycle clubs.
Floats in the parade included First Presbyterian Church, whose float hosted a live nativity complete with angels in a gazebo. The stable donkey, lamb and a dog were escorted along the route by shepherds, followed by the wisemen.
“Jingle for Jesus” was the theme for the Tabernacle Baptist Church float.
St. Mary’s entered several floats and vehicles and their mascot, Mustang Sally, walked along the route as well.
The junior high float, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” theme was played out with a life-size figure of grandma being run over right there on the float.
St. Mary’s three and four year old students participated, riding in their “dashing through the snow” train.
Valley View Methodist Church’s float, “Rudolph’s Gang” was covered with people decked out with antler headbands.
First Assembly of God Church float, “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” carried the logo, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.”
Best Overall Entry for the parade went to St. Mary’s “Silver Bells” float, representing the first and second grade classes.
Best Horse Drawn/Riding Club entry went to Saddle Creek Cowboy Church.
First prize for Best Float went to First Baptist Church and second place went to First Assembly of God Church.
Best Dance/Drill Team went to St. Mary’s Cheerleaders and second place went to Girl Scout Troops 4684, 603 and 604.
The Best Band award went to the Gainesville High School band.
Parade judges were Cooke County Judge John Roane, District Judge Janelle Haverkamp and Justice of the Peace Jason Brinkley.
Santa made his traditional appearance at the end of the parade, escorted by members of the Gainesville Optimist Club, and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Following the parade, the movie Polar Express played to those who took a seat at the outside theater on Commerce Street outside Otts Furniture. Some trekked over to Zoo Lights at Frank Buck Zoo and some to see, “Mr. Scrooge the Musical” at the State Theater.
Local News
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Let it snow! (© Staff photo by Armand Nardi)
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