The Christmas Spirit was alive and well this past Sunday during the Christmas parade. Despite the weather challenges, it was another wonderful event for Benton County!
Mother Nature didn’t cooperate for the original Saturday date, and then Sunday started off pretty “iffy” as well, we weren’t sure that we be able to have the event then, either. All in all, it was cold but the rain let up, the clouds broke apart, and we had a great turn out. Grand Marshall Marcus Bond rode with the Benton County Sheriff’s Department, and he was so happy to see everyone!
Thank you to Carhartt for allowing us to organize the parade in their parking lot, and to Heather Deckard Smith for helping to get everything organized. We appreciate Benton County Rescue Squad members for blocking the streets, and the hard work of our judges Camden Mayor Roger Pafford, Kinsley Stone, and Ashley Travis. Most of all, we thank all of the parade entrants and every person who came out and enjoyed the parade!
The float by Camden Healthcare and Rehab won grand champion honors this year. First place winners were CJH Fishing Team Talon Stone and Hayden Jenette (float), Dianna Ross (vehicle), Ada and Andrew Acres (horse), and Dwayne Flower’s The Shop (miscellaneous). In second place were First United Pentecostal Church (float), Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park (vehicle), Chris Patterson (horse), and Girl Scouts (miscellaneous). Third place entrants were Benton County Animal Shelter (float), E911 (vehicle), Lillianna Stepp (horse), and Bruce Griffey (miscellaneous). Congratulations to all the winners!
Another thing to celebrate is the success of our annual Open House at the Chamber office, which was held Monday, Dec. 10. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, networked with other businesses, and chatted with us. We hope your enjoyed your time with us and all of the delicious food! We want to say a very special thank you to Marilyn’s Flowers and Gift for loaning us the Christmas floral decorations. If you caught yourself eyeing any of the beautiful arrangements during the Open House, stop by Marilyn’s and pick one up.
Upcoming Events
The Chamber has one more Christmas event coming up, and we can’t wait to see you. Join us Saturday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. at the Birdsong Drive-In for Christmas Movie Night, featuring The Polar Express. Entry fee is $1 per person – cash only, please! Gates will open at 5 p.m., and Birdsong Drive-In will have full concessions available. Grab a warm blanket, pack up the kids, and come hop aboard The Polar Express with us! See you this weekend!
Earlier on Saturday, Dec. 15, Cash Express is holding the final day of their annual Coat and Toy Drive for area kids. They will be accepting unwrapped toys, coats, washable shoes, clothes, and non-perishable food items. Call 731-279-0304 for more info.
