01-07-09 A Long Line of Twinkle and Sparkle And Santa Himself

The City of McDonough has an annual tradition that has become very popular over the years and always draws a large crowd of youngsters and those still young at heart. It’s the city’s colorful and exciting Christmas parade that started in the early 1980’s and has grown larger, more elaborate and more beautiful every year.

Following the very first Christmas parade under the direction of a private organization, then Mayor Billy Copeland, whose first term as McDonough’s Mayor began in 1979, expressed a desire to see it become a major holiday occurrence for the town’s citizens to enjoy. As a result, that’s exactly what has taken place. From small town to big city, McDonough has grown and so has the Christmas parade from meager beginnings to a major annual event.

Forms were sent out in October to those who participated in the previous year’s parade. Others picked up forms at McDonough City Hall and added their names to the participants’ list for 2008. Because the Department of Transportation (DOT) agreed to allow the city to close the state highway for a maximum of two hours for the parade, a limit had to be placed on the number of entries and a waiting list started.

For those who were fortunate enough to have responded early, their excitement mounted as they took their places in line and waited for Police Chief Preston Dorsey to lead them out of the high school parking lot and onto the streets lined with anxious folks eager to catch their first sight of this year’s McDonough Christmas Parade.

Bands entertained with Christmas carols. Racing lawnmowers roared past the crowds gathered on both sides of the street. Dance studios took part with students spinning and twilling as they proceeded down the street. Shriners in miniature trucks waved to the crowd as they passed. Cowboys and cowgirls atop beautiful steeds were announced by the rhythmic clip clop of the horses’ hooves on the pavement. Cheerleaders, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church groups, Sons, Daughters and Children of the Confederate, area businesses and many more participants made their way through the human corridor as the parade followed its usual route from Henry County High School, up John Frank Ward Boulevard, around McDonough’s historic Square, and down Keys Ferry Street.

And then there were the floats. All the strategy sessions, the designs and redesigns, and hours of intensive labor that went into each one resulted in some very extraordinary creations and even an added touch of humor in several. Judges reviewed the entries before the start of the parade and selected the top three floats for 2008. Third Place was a tie between New Creation Center and Primrose School at Eagle’s Landing; Second Place went to Praying for Paws, Inc.; and First Place honors went to Mr. & Miss Special Henry County. Veterans from the different branches of service were the Grand Marshall for this year’s parade.

It was a grand parade and enjoyed by all who withstood the evening’s cold temperatures until the last hooray had ended just to be a part of this very special McDonough tradition. Alas, a Christmas parade is never over until the “fat man sings.” Well, maybe the fat man dressed in the red suit, setting in a sleigh pulled by tiny reindeer atop the final float didn’t sing. But if he had broken into song, you may have heard “We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas...... And to all, a good night!!”

PHOTO….027 The First Place float, Mr. & Miss Special Henry County, passes through the McDonough Square.

PHOTO….054 Second Place honors have gone to the dogs, Praying for Paws, Inc. that is. This compassionate organization encourages everyone interested in adding a new four legged member to their family to please consider adopting a pet from their large selection.

PHOTO….099 Third Place is a tie between New Creation Center and Primrose School at Eagle’s Landing. New Creation Center appeals to that sweet tooth everyone possess with a colorful gingerbread house and gingerbread figures.

PHOTO….123 Primrose School at Eagle’s Landing shows Ma and Pa with the youngsters all settled down for a long winter’s nap anticipating a visit from Santa Claus while they sleep.