Parade entries light up downtown Carrollton

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CCM/Carol McIntire The Claus family was treated to ride on open air fire truck, driven by Ron Dennis, with his wife, JoAnn, in the passenger’s seat. Members of the local band John Doe provided commentary and announced each unit as it entered the bottom of Public Square. The group also announced the judge’s decisions in the six award winning categories, including: White Christmas Award (best marching group or walking unit): Carrollton High School Marching Band. Rudolph Award (best entry featuring animals): Poodles. Polar Express Award (best entry featuring children): Star Struck Dance. Elf Award (most humorous entry): Kick Cancer in the Grass. Christmas Vacation Award (best decorated vehicle, ATV, tractor, no floats): Doug Miller Family with the Grinch sleigh pulled by Max the dog. Christmas Story Award (best overall entry): Sheckler Excavating. Prior to and following the parade, children had the opportunity to enjoy a portable skating rink and slide on 2nd St. SW, where food trucks were set up and Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with children.

By Carol McIntire
Editor
The 2023 holiday season arrived in Carrollton amid colorful holiday lights, the smiling faces of children and that oh, so familiar Ho, Ho, Ho Merry Christmas! from Santa Claus.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in the village during the Nov. 25 annual Christmas parade, which traditionally kicks off the season. The parade was moved to a 6 p.m. start last season. Participants took full advantage of the evening start and lit up the streets with an array of twinkling lights and brightly colored floats that blended with the theme, “Christmas Movies”.
Parade-goers packed the downtown streets, four and five people deep in some areas, as the 64 entries (many had multiple units in the entry to bring the total number of units to over 100) made their way along the parade route.
A color guard comprised of area veterans led the parade as it marched from Third St. NE south on N. Lisbon St. to the downtown area, followed by grand marshals Jimmy and Sara Reynolds, who were nominated for their contributions to the community.
Band Director Dave Dickerhoff brought the Carrollton High School Band, decked out in its holiday finest, and brought the sounds of the season to the crowd and then made a second lap around the parade route to lead the Claus family into the village, much to the delight of waving children.

The Claus family was treated to ride on open air fire truck, driven by Ron Dennis, with his wife, JoAnn, in the passenger’s seat.
Members of the local band John Doe provided commentary and announced each unit as it entered the bottom of Public Square. The group also announced the judge’s decisions in the six award winning categories, including:
White Christmas Award (best marching group or walking unit): Carrollton High School Marching Band.
Rudolph Award (best entry featuring animals): Poodles.
Polar Express Award (best entry featuring children): Star Struck Dance.
Elf Award (most humorous entry): Kick Cancer in the Grass.
Christmas Vacation Award (best decorated vehicle, ATV, tractor, no floats): Doug Miller Family with the Grinch sleigh pulled by Max the dog.
Christmas Story Award (best overall entry): Sheckler Excavating.
Prior to and following the parade, children had the opportunity to enjoy a portable skating rink and slide on 2nd St. SW, where food trucks were set up and Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with children.