By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was chilly and with a drizzling rain, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came out for the Holly Jolly Electric Parade Saturday night in downtown Paris. The steady drizzle did keep the usual crowds from attendance at both the parade and the Christmas Festival which preceded it, which was minus some of the activities that had been planned.
Newschannel 5 Anchor Amy Watson was the Grand Marshal and she and her family came early to greeted visitors at Wimberley and Associates, where Christmas cookies and hot chocolate were served and Christmas stories were read.
Parade Winners were: Griswold Award went to Rhea Elementary School; Best Marching/Walking group was Tomorrow’s Hope; Best Golf Cart award went to Keep Paris and Henry Co. Beautiful; Best Decorated Float was given to Cash Express; Most Christmas Spirit was given to the Inman football team and cheerleaders; and Best Religious Theme was given to New Harmony Baptist Church. Jane and John Etheridge were Ambassadors of the parade.
At the Christmas Festival earlier in the afternoon, the Paris Fire Department made their world-famous s’mores and Santa and his gang visited with youngsters.
Paris Firemen Richie Bomar, Craig Barrow and Walt Petty making s’mores
Channel 5 News Anchor Amy Watson visits with Deputy M.L. Bailey
City Commissioner Gayle Griffith leads the city of Paris entry
The New Harmony Church won Best Religious Theme
Top photo: Rhea School won the Griswold Award this year. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
