Holiday parade has best turnout ever
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Staff Photo by Benjamin Sharp There were plenty of "reindeer" on this float as it traveled down the streets of Wharton.

If this week's holiday parade in downtown Wharton seemed more extravagant than in past years, that's because it was. More entries than ever before participated, with a total of 83 making the trek down Milam Street and around the county courthouse.

By comparison, last year's parade had just 63 entries. Officials with the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, which sponsored the event, attribute the turnout to a newfound spirit of cooperation and participation among area residents, merchants and civic groups.

"It's a reflection of the people of Wharton, and of who we are as a town," said Ron Sanders, the chamber's executive director. "It was a sight to behold."

That spirit was evident in the scores of people who helped make the "Ring the Christmas Bells" parade go off without a hitch. Sanders said 65 volunteers were needed to get the floats lined up, direct traffic, put numbers on the contestants, announce each entry, and make sure the square was well-lit.

Parade chairman Jeff Rainer and volunteer Logan Giesie were just two of the dozens who made significant contributions, Sanders said.

He also credited area law enforcement officers and firfi.ghters with going above and beyond ....the call of duty. "Officers even drove Santa and his elf back to their car" after the parade, Sanders said. "It's a team sport."

Monterey Square was impressive all by itself, with towering Christmas trees, garland wrapped lamp posts and a stunning gazebo. Beverly and Bob Baker, along with county maintenance supervisor Paul Shannon and several others, spent much of the previous weekend getting things ready.

Downtown merchants did their part as well, turning their store fronts into a winter wonderland replete with twinkling lights and festive wreaths. They held a contest to try and stimulate more creative decorating.

Cooler - but clear - weather added to the atmosphere.

Even with such success, though, organizers do not intend to rest on their laurels. They have already begun looking ahead to next year's parade.

"We're going to debrief and see what we can do better for next time," Sanders said.