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Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade
"Show-Stopping" Spectacular

by: Bobby McDonald

It was tape, extension cords, and more lights that kept Jackie Thornton, Donna Rudzick,
and Polly Swatsell busy, on Saturday afternoon, as they made last minute adjustments
to the Lights of Life entry in the parade, as "gale force" winds blew in Buford Park.

With planning that began months ago, simply with diagrams drawn on napkins, pieces of scrap paper, and maybe even on a piece of cardboard, beautifully lighted and decorated floats made their way down the streets of Sulphur Springs, on Saturday night, in a spectacular climax of a weekend full of seasonal Christmas events. It was the Lions Club 3rd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade, and residents lined the streets in downtown Sulphur Springs, to watch each of the entries begin their trek through the downtown area of the city.

Lynda Hager, veteran float builder, "barks" orders in the blowing wind, as she attempts to keep the decorations on
the Guaranty Bond Bank float together, long enough to make it until parade time.

"I'm just simply amazed at the creativity that we have in Hopkins County," exclaimed City Manager Marc Maxwell. "When we first began talking about this concept just a little over 3 years ago, I had no idea that it would develop into such a spectacular display so quickly. However, all one has to do is just look at what it has become. It looks like the Griswald's coming down the street! Certainly, a testimony to the creativity of the people of Hopkins County!"

The "Lights of Life" float featured this lighted carriage to complement the "A Royal Touch," that is the
theme of the 2011 Lights of Life Gala.

Shortly after noon, on Saturday, groups and organizations began making their way from barns and warehouses, all across the county, with their entries, to line-up at Buford Park. "Last minute" details of adjusting lights, stapling borders, and even replacing fuses, were accomplished, as those final preparations were made for the 5:30 p.m. beginning of Saturday's parade. "We've got to find another plug!" barked Lynda Hager, veteran float maker, like a drill instructor, as she directed her husband, Bill, and son, Tony. "We need three more extension cords on this section!"

Meanwhile, "Mother Nature" presented her own challenges as a strong wind began to blow through Hopkins County, on Saturday afternoon, just enough to "catch" petal paper, signs, and other decorations. "We've found out just where every loose article is on this float!" exclaimed Polly Swatsell, armed with a staple-gun and roll of tape. "This wind is trying to denude all of our decorations, right before the parade!"

Other groups were sending "runners" to convenience stores and building material stores for additional fuses, extension cords, and another round of staples and tape. It was a frantic effort, but everyone seemed to be having fun!

"Let the show begin....." A Hopkins County Sheriff's Unit led the parade as it moved out, down the
streets of Sulphur Springs.

Then, the Hopkins County Sheriff's Unit and the City Police Patrol Car turned on their flashing lights, and it was time to "roll out!"

Judges for the floats were situated in front of the Sulphur Springs ISD Administration Building and critiqued each float as it stopped and made its bid for top prizes, before continuing down the parade route of down Connally Street, around the square, and
back out Church Street to Houston, and finally ending at Gerald Prim Stadium.

"I didn't see anything major that happened during the route," advised John McCampbell, with the Lions Club. "I think all of the entries made it through the route and I didn't see anyone of them that lost their power. So, that sounds like a successful parade!"

Awards were presented at Gerald Prim Stadium with top prizes receiving $2,000.00 checks and additional prize money presented to those who placed.

"We're going to use our prize money to start thinking about next year!" exclaimed Jackie Thornton, with the "Lights of Life" float, selected as one of the top winners. "We're going to go to the Winery and discuss next year's float, right now!"

"Precious!" is all you could say, as this young lady fell asleep during the parade,
and made good use of the bed that she was riding on. With plenty of cover to keep
warm, she just did what many would have liked to have done, following an exhausting day!