Parade of Lights Offers Enchanted Evening

 

Rundell Ranch Entry

A moderately mild evening, coupled with a full moon, made for a perfect evening for this year’s Lamar Chamber of Commerce, Parade of Lights this past Friday, December 1st.

The Home Store

There were some firsts to this year’s parade, mostly notably, a new route down South 4th Street to the Enchanted Forest, due to on-going construction along Highway 287. The new route allowed for some new viewers as it passed by Strainhurst Court and traveled along a mostly residential route, crossing East Olive and making a bee-line for the newly decorated Enchanted Forest adjacent to the Lamar Chamber offices.

The Santa Express Had a Busy Night

This year, instead of transporting Santa Claus, the train stayed in the Enchanted Forest, providing rides before, during and after the parade.  Santa made his debut this year in an open-top, horse-drawn wagon which allowed for a better view of the Jolly Old Gent who was accompanied by Mayor Roger Stagner and his wife, Leslie.

 

Santa’s Horse-Drawn Carriage

A line was already forming at Santa’s Workshop as he rolled up to the edge of the Forest and it stayed lengthy with an estimated 100 persons still lined up by 7pm waiting for their turn to drop a few hints about their Christmas lists.

Kicking It Up with All the Right Moves

 

Ms Lea’s dancers from All the Right Moves were taking part in the parade as well as entertaining the crowd at the Chamber parking lot. This year, three different age groups entertained, decked out in the reds and greens of a traditional holiday coloring.

Holiday Royalty or a Christmas Spirit

Ropes of white lights were looped along the branches of the trees at the Enchanted Forest, providing additional light for all who turned out to enjoy the beginning of their Merry Christmas.  An estimated two dozen entries took part in the parade with a $75 first prize in Luv Bucks going to Rundell’s Ranch, followed by the dancing bear entry from Atmos Energy for $50 and the third prize was awarded to The Home Store which featured a trailer of reindeer and Santa Sleigh, as they gained altitude for their their Christmas Eve journey.

It’s Feathers Up in Lights

 

Additional entertainment was provided by the AVWPE, performing holiday favorites at the Shore Arts Center. By Russ Baldwin

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