Santa had a very busy weekend, not only preparing for his yearly trek across the globe on Christmas Eve, but attending the local events and parades across DeKalb County. The Smithville Christmas Parade was followed by Christmas on the Square in Smithville on Saturday evening, while the Liberty Christmas Parade and Alexandria Christmas Parade were held on Sunday. Young and old alike came out and braved the cold temps to show their Christmas spirit. The rain managed to hold off over the weekend, making for a pleasant day for all the events.
The Smithville Fire Department’s Smithville Christmas Parade had perhaps the largest lineup ever in its history, with a variety of floats, vehicles, and groups participating. The traditional route took the parade from New Life Connection Center, down Congress Boulevard, to the large crowd waiting at the town square.
Country music star John Anderson was this year’s Grand Marshal with his wife Jamie riding with him. Mr. and Mrs. DeKalb County, Alex and Ashby Woodward, were the honorary Grand Marshals.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel was named as first-place winner in the float competition. Second place went to Hurricane Marina for its pontoon float, while Memorial Baptist Church took third place. The DCHS Fighting Tiger Band won the Spirit Award presented by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Afterwards, the crowd hung around for Christmas on the Square, taking part in local shopping and viewing this year’s Live Window displays sponsored by the Smithville/DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses welcomed shoppers, while local officials at the courthouse and city hall served up some refreshments. Santa was also available at several locations for photos, including pet photos by the DeKalb Animal Coalition.
Winners of the Live Windows Contest The Attic on Walnut Street in first place with Santa and some elves; The Purple Door Antiques and Uniques in second with its Ralphie and his Red Ryder display; and Real Source in third for its campfire display.
On Sunday, the Town of Liberty was packed with spectators as Santa made his way west. The local gospel singing group, Right on Time, was the Grand Marshals of the parade, which spanned from Salem Baptist Church to the Community Center.
Once again, the parade was filled with floats, fantasy and fun. The DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Band entertained the crowd with some Christmas music, followed by a variety of entries.
Newly elected State Representative Michael Hale made an appearance on his DeKalb Funeral Chapel float, which took first place for its “Tender Tennessee Christmas” theme. Second place went to the Vickers family and Gallatin Fire Extinguisher of Woodbury.
Dale and Cameron Purcell of Liberty won first place in the vehicle competition for their 1966 Mustang convertible, while second place went to Steve Merriman of Smithville for his 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 4 x4.
In the Children’s category, Memorial Baptist Church took first place, while second place went to Toby Agee of Smithville.
First place in the Animals category went to the Harvey Family & Grinch of Davis Hollow Road. Second place was awarded to Bill Stanton of Liberty.
Later that evening, the Town of Alexandria held its Christmas Parade where Santa made yet another appearance. The night parade featured floats, vehicles and even animals decked out and illuminated for the holiday event.
Outgoing Director of the Alexandria Senior Center, Sandy Brown, served as the Grand Marshal for the parade. She was accompanied by driver, Alexandria Alderman Lynn Dickerson, who is also recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.
Alexandria Police Chief Chris Russell led the precession, which featured performances by both the DeKalb and Watertown High School bands.
No awards were presented at this year’s parade, but the crowd hung around afterwards for special drawings for prizes.
