The City of Alexandria rang in the holiday season Sunday with the county’s first Christmas parade.
Floats, antique cars and tractors, mule teams and horses, both the Watertown and DeKalb high school bands, Smokey the Bear, and a visit from Saint Nick were the highlights of the city’s annual parade. Alexandria Police Chief Mark Collins and Sheriff Patrick Ray led the procession through town, with Grand Marshals Billy and Sue Corley close behind.
Local veterans, Alexandria Mayor Tony Tarpley, State Senator Mae Beavers and State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver took part, as well as Cub Scouts, members of the Alexandria, Watertown, and DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Departments, DeKalb EMS, the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad, Cub Scouts, motorcycles and ATVs. Members of West Main Baptist Church sang carols as the parade passed by their place of worship.
Lee Wilkerson received first place for his mule team. Memorial Baptist Church took first place in the church float completion, Malone's Chapel Baptist Youth was awarded second. The entry from Randy's Heat and Air took first place in the non-church float category, and Bob McComb received second.
A drawing was held at the conclusion of the event, and prizes including hams and gift cards donated by local businesses were given away.
“None of this could have happened without the help of our volunteers,” said parade organizer Bennett Armstrong. “It was a lot of fun, and the donations we received were bountiful. It was a good time, and we were blessed with good weather.”
Next on the list of Christmas events in the county is Christmas on the Square in Smithville, set for Dec. 4 from 5-8 p.m. on the downtown square. The event will include an open house at the courthouse and Chamber of Commerce offices. Music by the Community Chorus at 5 p.m., a flag-raising ceremony at 5:25 by Boy Scout Troop #347, and a tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on the west side of the courthouse.
A free photo booth and Christmas DJ music will be provided by the City of Smithville. The Cosmo Creations photo booth will be located inside the east entrance of the courthouse.
Christmas carols and story time for children will begin at 6 p.m. At Justin-Potter Library. The library will also have a special visit from Santa.
Inflatables and train rides will be available for the children, if weather permits.
For more information, call the chamber office at 597-4163.
The Smithville Christmas Parade will be held on Dec. 6.
Participants will begin lining up at Smithville Elementary School at noon, and the parade will start at 1 p.m. To enter, call or leave a message with Jeff Wright at 597-6750 or John Poss at 597-1135. Antique cars and horse riders do not need to pre-register. All others must call by Dec. 4 to insure a spot.
The Liberty parade is set for Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Participants will line up at 1 p.m., with a drawing for prizes at the conclusion of the festivities. For more information call Charlotte Bratten at 464-8085.
