Cardington Yutaka’s float depicted Santa’s Toy Shop.
Alberta Stojkovic | AIM Media Midwest
Showers slowed to a drizzle Friday night as parade floats gathered for the Morrow County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.
Chamber President Erin Kelty said there were 81 floats, the most since the parade and festival began in 2014.
Tree lighting on the square took place at 6:30 p.m. with carolers from Trinity United Methodist Church singing Christmas carols.
The crowd was a little slow in gathering on the sidewalk and huddled in the Morrow County History Center, restaurants, and at Trinity Church for a soup supper until the parade rolled in at 7 p.m. Hot chocolate was offered by Griffith and Brininger, Gilead Fitness, Kiwanis, and the Mount Gilead wrestling team.
Friends of the Village members Theresa and Suzi Lyle said they had many children stop by to join in their scavenger hunt and grab a treat or gift at their table. Village Gathering Place’s Lindsay Wells said there were lots of shoppers at the pop-up shops to browse the candles, jewelry, wood crafts and other gift items.
The parade ended with the arrival of Santa in a wagon pulled by two black horses shortly before 8 p.m. It was not only the most floats and entries the parade has had, but the longest in the nine years of the parade’s history.
Mike Schnell kept his tradition of playing Christmas music throughout the evening and announcing the parade entries as they passed by the square. The line for Santa continued after the parade so every child had a chance to talk to Santa about their Christmas wishes.
Kelty announced the following float winners: Spectacular Lights: Loyer Paving Services; Best Parade Theme: Morrow County Hospital; Tin Soldier Award: Highland Marching Band; Best Use of Costumes or Props: Tidy Tim’s; Best Decorated Vehicle or Golf Cart: Mount Gilead EV School District Transportation; Most Creative Production: Pillar Credit Union; Best Religious Theme: Journey to Bethlehem; and Best Community Spirit: Mount Gilead Marching Band.
Alberta Stojkovic is a correspondent for The Morrow County Sentinel.
