Christmas Parade is planned for Friday

By MELODIE PHELPS

News Editor

Christmas arrives in Monticello Friday evening, with the annual Monticello-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. And leading the way will be this year’s Grand Marshal Dr. Robert Breeding.

Breeding has been practicing medicine since 1952. He was selected by the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to lead the 2002 parade. He will be traveling along the parade route in a cameo coral and white1954 Ford driven by Dellard and Vera Duvall.

Breeding said that he is honored to have been selected as Grand Marshal for the parade. He always watches and enjoys the holiday procession.

"I’ll watch it from the inside this year," said Breeding.

There will be a lot to see in this year’s parade. Penny Thompson, with the Monticello-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Office, said about 43 entries have been received so far, representing floats, antique cars, motorcycles, horses, and marching bands. Santa will travel through downtown Monticello near the end of the procession, greeting children from atop the antique fire truck.

Thompson noted that entries were accepted through Monday afternoon, and that late entries for the parade will be taken this week.

Anyone who enters after the deadline will be placed at the end of the parade, Thompson noted.

The theme for this year’s parade is "Christmas Memories." Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place floats.

The parade is set to begin at 6 p.m. at Hardwood Drive, near the RECC building. The procession will travel along Main Street through downtown and will conclude in the parking lot of the Wayne County gymnasium.

Downtown Monticello will herald in the holiday season just before the parade arrives with the annual tree lighting ceremony. It is set for 5 p.m.

The Bell Tones will provide Christmas music for the ceremony and Wayne County Superintendent John Dalton will read the Christmas story. The Wayne County JROTC will present colors for the ceremony.

County Judge-Executive Bruce Ramsey and Mayor Kenneth Catron will light the tree on the courthouse lawn at the end of the ceremony.

Anyone with questions about this year’s Christmas parade may contact the Chamber of Commerce at (606) 348-3064.

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