Kiwanis Names Winners in Winnfield Christmas Parade

***Larica Fair and Leroy James play music for the crowds aboard the President’s Award float of James Drilling.***

(Some photos Courtesy Troy Rogers)

The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield has successfully completed another Winnfield Christmas Parade, a project they have coordinated since 1991. The parade was previously handled by the Jaycees until the local chapter folded, then run by the City for several years until Kiwanis took it on. Chairman of the club event is Jason Tarver.

The event drew families into the chilly downtown, with children lining Main Street in hopes of bagging candy or other treasures thrown from more than 50 floats. Weather was cold but cooperative since there had been rain in the week leading up to Friday’s parade and threats of more rain following. Yet the sky was clear, perfect for the parade and the fireworks that followed.

In the change of format this year, Kiwanis judges viewed each float and took notes as they passed the Main Street stairsteps leading to the old sanctuary of First Baptist Church. After the parade, judges grouped and compared notes before reaching their decision. In the past, they walked the staging area prior to the parade to judge, then presented trophies at that main viewing area.

Following are their results:

President’s Award – James Drilling Company

Governor’s Award – Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and Museum

Mayor’s Award – City of Winnfield

Theme Award – First Baptist Church

Spirit Award – New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Honorary Mentions were awarded to:

Elite Athletics

City of Winnfield Animal Shelton

First Assembly of God

Calvin High School Varsity and Junior Cheer

One Eighty Ministries/The Family Church