By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
There were over 50 entrants in the annual City of Parsons Christmas Parade that was themed A Magical Christmas. Though it was a damp and rainy evening, the streets were lined with patrons ready to partake in the Parsons tradition.
The day began early with a breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Clause with a special appearance by The Grinch. This event was for ticket holders and hosted by Citizens Bank of West Virginia at the Senior Center. A craft show took place at the First Baptist Church gym from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. as well as free hay and sleigh rides weaved through the streets of Parsons.
Another special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Clause and The Grinch happened at the First Baptist Church Gym along with crafts and snacks. Susan Marks with Memory Lane Photography was set up to capture the memories of little ones asking for their desires on the knee of Santa.
was from a scene from the popular Christmas movie called Elf
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., everyone participating in the ugly sweater and beard contest gathered at the Courthouse Square for judging. The winners of these contests were as follows: First and second place wreath went to Donna Morrison and third place to April Fitzwater, Ugly sweater winners were Mabel Fitzwater, Isaiah Meloy, and Debbie Rhodes, Christmas Ornament winners were Isaiah, Alexander, and Johanna Leary, Christmas beard winners were Danny Godwin as Santa Beard, John Kahl as Bubba Clause, and Nick Griffin winning Kris Kringle. The poster winners were Brayden Bennett, Isaiah Leary, and Alexander Leary. Bennett and I. Leary had the opportunity to ride through the parade with Mr. and Mrs. Clause as the top two in the poster contest.
Parade line up began around D and W Lane at 5 p.m. As the fire whistle blew and the traffic was held, the kids smiled with anticipation as the city, county, and state police lead the way as the 2019 A Magical Christmas Parade commenced. The Grand Marshals of the parade, Renick Adkins and wife Betty, Ben Long III, and former WVU Mountaineer and Honorary Grand Marshal Trevor Kiess waved at the crowd followed by vehicles from Tucker Preowned Autos. Members of the City of Parsons, Parsons Rescue Truck, POW MIA Jeep, and a Charlie Brown themed float by the TCHS FFA Chapter followed while the Strutters Baton and Dance group strutted their way down the streets lead by flame twirler Katie Myers.
UniCare made their way through the parade route with Tiny Miss Randolph County Willow Simmons right behind. Company 10 PVFD Ladder Truck flashed their lights and sirens to the children’s excitement. A Truck Load of Joy entry by Misfit Toy Racing Team made their way through town with their giant VW Beatle, followed by Central Supply, the cast from TVEMS Frozen Jr., Senator Randy Smith, and Parsons Family Farm. The Tucker County Animal Shelter followed next with St. George Church of God to follow, St. George Medical Clinic, Tucker County Volleyball, and the Davis Fire Department.
Amy Wagner, owner of the Dugout, had a float entry that showcased a soldier in uniform reading the bible while away from home during the holidays. The goal of this float was to bring awareness, hopes, and prayers for our local young men and women serving our country not only during the holiday season, but every day. Prosecuting Attorney Ray LaMora and his family went through the streets handing out goodies, followed by Hillbilly Vape, the Tucker County Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Benjamin Moore Paint Store, and Parsons Mayor Dorothy Judy and the City Council. Parsons Fire and Rescue truck came next with Mountain Hospice, Delegate Chris Phillips, the Tucker County Commission, St. Johns United Methodist Church, and the Country Beauty Twirlers dancing through town. West Virginia Caring had an entry as did MR Pizza, the TVEMS Girls Basketball team, Bonners Body Shop, Accurate Auto and Collision Repair, Isner Law and the Rising Star Twirlettes. Kingsford pulled their massive smoker through as they handed out small bags of charcoal followed by Operation Christmas Child, Thomas Rescue and Fire Department, and finally the guest of honor, Santa and Mrs. Clause in the horse drawn sleigh with their personal elf assistant.
All entrants gathered at the Tucker County Annex to receive the results of the parade entry winners. In the general category, first place went to Accurate Auto and Collision Repair for their float mimicking the movie Elf, second went to the TCHS FFA with a Charlie Brown Christmas, and third went to the St. George Medical Clinic with their Radio Flyer Wagon. Within the category of churches, first went to St. George United Methodist, second to St. John’s United Methodist, and third to Hendricks United Free Methodist. In the category of twirlettes, first place went to the Barbour County Strutters, second to Rising Stars, and third to Country Beauties. Events coordinator for the City of Parsons Tammy Michael said, “We are thankful for everyone that came out to all the events and just hope that everyone had a great time, Merry Christmas!”