Ringing in the holiday season

Christmas officially arrived in Carrollton Saturday as the village kicked off the season with a variety of events.
Merchants celebrated Small Business Saturday, civic organizations and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) revealed decorated business windows, the Carrollton Business Women lit up the night with the lighting of Public Square and Santa and Mrs. Claus made their first official visit to the village as part of the Holiday Lights Magical Nights Christmas Parade.
The parade continues to grow since being moved to an evening event last year. Over 90 individual units that made up nearly 70 entries traveled the parade route downtown, led by the local color guard.
Marcia Schaffer, children’s librarian at the Carroll County District Library served a grand marshal. Santa and Mrs. Claus made their appearance as the final entry in the parade and then met with children following the parade.
The Chamber of Commerce/CVB brought back a village favorite, the window decorating contest, and revealed windows just prior to the parade. Carrollton Business Women served as judges for the event.
Carrollton Mayor Bill Stoneman and his grandchildren flipped switches to light up Public Square with a countdown led by the local band John Doe. The group served as masters of ceremony for the parade, providing colorful commentary during the parade.
New this year was the addition of food trucks in the municipal parking lot, located on N. High St.
Winners of the parade and window decorating contest include:
Christmas Parade
Elfin Magic Award (best entry featuring children): Carroll County Department of Job and Family Services.
Holiday Spirit Award (entry with most enthusiastic participants): Pieces With Purpose (PWP).
Tin Soldier Award (best marching or walking entry): Starstruck Dance & Gymnastics.
Santa’s Sleigh Award (entry with the best theme in motion, such as a float or motorized vehicle): J Green Excavating.
Rudolph’s Friends Award (best entry featuring animals): Snoopy’s Friends.
Fruitcake Award (entry with the most humorous display): Freedom Riders 4-H Club.
Vintage Vehicle (best decorated car or truck): Leah Brown, Carroll County Antique Collectors Club.
Christmas Star Award (entry displaying the best overall creativity): Unified Bank.
Window Decorating
First: McFadden Insurance (Public Square).
Second: Bud’s Flowers and Gifts (W. Main St.)
Third: Carol Goff Realtors (Public Square).