Parade kicks off holiday season

By Thomas Clapper

CCM Reporter

Hundreds of Carrollton area residents braved the cold to get a glimpse of Santa Claus and the annual Carrollton Christmas  Parade Nov. 30.

 Santa felt right at home in Carrollton with the 20 some degree temperature to rival the North Pole.

“The Spirit of Christmas” was the theme of the parade which carried on beyond just that spectacle. Wonderous beautiful lights adorned Public Square area and stayed further lit with the Christmas Downtown Window Reveal event that added color and wonderment. 

There were 85 entries in this year’s colorful parade. Judges  included Jim and Marianne Fisher from Downtown Alley Shop, Randi Bake and Rex Sponhaltz from The Grand Tea Room and Reminisce Ice Cream and Tammy Bratton from the Shoppes on Second. The window reveal judges were from the Carroll County Arts Center. 

Window Reveal Winners, recognized for their creative window displays include Deli on the Square, first; Carrollton Downtown Alley, second; and Bud’s Flowers, third. 

Santa Claus himself, along with Mrs. Claus and Buddy the Elf, arrived on “Old Betsy,” a restored fire truck owned by the Ron Dennis family of Carrollton, led by the Carrollton High School Marching Band.

The parade marshals were Gene Dunn and Cruze Giannelli, who donated much time and resources to help residents in North Carolina who suffered immeasurable damage from recent hurricanes. A semi-trailer was parked in Carrollton and donations were dropped off at the trailer. Multiple loads of supplies have been delivered to date.  

Plaques sponsored by The Carroll County Messenger and McFadden Insurance were awarded to: Tin Soldier Award (Best marching or walking unit): Santa Elves; The Rudolf Award (Best entry featuring animals): Bold Auction Company; Elf on the Shelf Award (Best entry featuring youth): CHS Girls Basketball team; The Ugly Sweater Award (Most humorous entry): J. Green Excavating;  Santa’s Sleigh Award: (Best decorated vehicle, ATV, tractor, etc., not a float): Hair Etc.; and  Spirit of Christmas Award (Best overall): Razor Rents.

Local restaurants remained open during the evening, food trailers and a variety of activities were set up on Second St. SW before the parade and after to keep the holiday celebration going. Activities included a Santa Bounce House, Wacky 180-degree obstacle course, rainbow water slide (dry) and a giant Connect Four game. All games were free to children due to generous donations from Dodds Funeral Homes, Guess Motors, Huebner Chevrolet and Subaru and H&M Tire. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus were escorted to the 2nd St. location by the Carrollton Band, where they visited with youngsters and received Christmas wish lists.

The local band Jon Doe, served as announcers and provided Christmas music.