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GIRARD —
Winter is coming without a doubt, but Mother Nature held it back long enough for the City of Girard to host its annual Christmas parade Thursday night.
The relatively balmy temperatures help people turn out in force to downtown Girard.
“It looks like the crowd has tripled,” said Celebrate Girard! committee member Julie Smith. “We’re so glad to see such great support from the community.”
The crowd gathered early to attend the Christmas tree lighting ceremony — the second year in a row the Celebrate Girard! committee has hosted one — as well as a community Christmas caroling event, which was led by R.V. Haderlein Elementary Music Director John Womeldorff. The Haderlein Singers, a select group of fifth grade students, and the CLASS LTD Choir performed several traditional Christmas songs, and there were free cookies and hot chocolate for everyone.
There were about 30 entries this year, which is similar to last year’s tally. There were entries from Boy Scout Troop 84, the Girard Fire Department and other first responders, among many others. There also was music from the Girard High School and Girard Middle School Marching Bands. After the parade, dozens of families gathered at the Girard Fire Station, as they do every year, to visit with Santa Claus. Residents seemed pleased with the overall experience.
“We come every year,” said Girard resident Robin Hawkins. “The kids won’t let us go anywhere without watching the parade.”
Hawkins said she was glad the weather co-operated for the parade.
“I was freezing last year,” she said. “I love this weather. I’m not a cold person.”
Julie Speith, a member of the Friends of Crawford State Park, said the group entered a float for the second straight year. Last year they got second place, but their hard work paid off this year.
“We got first place!” Speith said. “Someone just told me and gave me a check. It won’t cover the cost of the candy (to toss from the float) but it was worth it. We’re just trying to get the word out about the park, and the weather is perfect.”
Winter is coming without a doubt, but Mother Nature held it back long enough for the City of Girard to host its annual Christmas parade Thursday night.
The relatively balmy temperatures help people turn out in force to downtown Girard.
“It looks like the crowd has tripled,” said Celebrate Girard! committee member Julie Smith. “We’re so glad to see such great support from the community.”
The crowd gathered early to attend the Christmas tree lighting ceremony — the second year in a row the Celebrate Girard! committee has hosted one — as well as a community Christmas caroling event, which was led by R.V. Haderlein Elementary Music Director John Womeldorff. The Haderlein Singers, a select group of fifth grade students, and the CLASS LTD Choir performed several traditional Christmas songs, and there were free cookies and hot chocolate for everyone.
There were about 30 entries this year, which is similar to last year’s tally. There were entries from Boy Scout Troop 84, the Girard Fire Department and other first responders, among many others. There also was music from the Girard High School and Girard Middle School Marching Bands. After the parade, dozens of families gathered at the Girard Fire Station, as they do every year, to visit with Santa Claus. Residents seemed pleased with the overall experience.
“We come every year,” said Girard resident Robin Hawkins. “The kids won’t let us go anywhere without watching the parade.”
Hawkins said she was glad the weather co-operated for the parade.
“I was freezing last year,” she said. “I love this weather. I’m not a cold person.”
Julie Speith, a member of the Friends of Crawford State Park, said the group entered a float for the second straight year. Last year they got second place, but their hard work paid off this year.
“We got first place!” Speith said. “Someone just told me and gave me a check. It won’t cover the cost of the candy (to toss from the float) but it was worth it. We’re just trying to get the word out about the park, and the weather is perfect.”
