Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Keith was “tickled” over the turnout and particiation in the 15th annual Chamber Christmas Parade of Lights here Tuesday.
“It was a longer parade than you would have thought from the number of entries,” Keith said.
Winning entries included “A Candy Kiss from the Hempstead County Queens,” in first place, winning $100; “Christmas in Candyland” from the Nevada County Queens, second place, winning $50; Garrett Memorial Christian School, third place, winning $25; and, “A Royal Snow” from the Hempstead County Watermelon Queens, fourth place.
A total of 21 entries lit the way along Main Street just after twilight, and Keith said the excitement was palpable as he rode and sang on a float themed “A Hillbilly Christmas.”
“I started doing that one year when we were short on floats,” he said. “The fun thing is getting the kids to wave at you. To me, kids smiling back at you is the funnest thing in the world.”
Keith said several entries were actually multiple units, such as the Hope High School Bobcat Band, the Yerger Middle School Band, and the Hope Bands bus. All float and motorized entries were lighted to follow the parade concept, as outlined by parade chairman Tonjua Hays.
“The Chamber thanks everyone who entered a float or participating unit,” Keith said. “We also thank the folks who watched and we have a very special thank you to chairman Tonja Hays.
“It went along very smoothly; and, when you are riding a float, trying to hold a teetering Christmas tree, a bass fiddle and sing at the same time, that was the best-paced parade,” he quipped.
--Ken McLemore, Hope Star
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Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Keith was “tickled” over the turnout and particiation in the 15th annual Chamber Christmas Parade of Lights here Tuesday.
“It was a longer parade than you would have thought from the number of entries,” Keith said.
Winning entries included “A Candy Kiss from the Hempstead County Queens,” in first place, winning $100; “Christmas in Candyland” from the Nevada County Queens, second place, winning $50; Garrett Memorial Christian School, third place, winning $25; and, “A Royal Snow” from the Hempstead County Watermelon Queens, fourth place.
A total of 21 entries lit the way along Main Street just after twilight, and Keith said the excitement was palpable as he rode and sang on a float themed “A Hillbilly Christmas.”
“I started doing that one year when we were short on floats,” he said. “The fun thing is getting the kids to wave at you. To me, kids smiling back at you is the funnest thing in the world.”
Keith said several entries were actually multiple units, such as the Hope High School Bobcat Band, the Yerger Middle School Band, and the Hope Bands bus. All float and motorized entries were lighted to follow the parade concept, as outlined by parade chairman Tonjua Hays.
“The Chamber thanks everyone who entered a float or participating unit,” Keith said. “We also thank the folks who watched and we have a very special thank you to chairman Tonja Hays.
“It went along very smoothly; and, when you are riding a float, trying to hold a teetering Christmas tree, a bass fiddle and sing at the same time, that was the best-paced parade,” he quipped.
--Ken McLemore, Hope Star
