The Shadow
With a blanket of snow as a backdrop, the annual Covington Christmas Parade drew a smaller than usual crowd Saturday night.
Due to the inclement weather Saturday, several parade entrants, including both high school bands, chose to stay at home rather than brave the elements.
With the theme “The Star of Christmas,” the parade was sponsored by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
The award for best overall float was given to Christ United Methodist Church. The church’s Pass It On Team entered a float that featured children ringing bells to Christmas music.
The first place religious float was awarded to Covington Baptist Church.
In the novelty float division, a float that spanned the length of a tractor-trailer from Edgemont Primary School placed first. The float from Covington Paperkworkers Union Local 675 placed second.
In the marching unit division, clogging troupes the Kountry Kickers placed first and the Rhinestone Rockers placed second.
A common sight on the Christmas parade scene, James “Cheeze Claus” Smith gave away toys and bicycles to the children along the parade route.
Volunteers who assisted with the parade line-up in the MeadWestvaco parking lot were David Arritt, David Arritt Jr., John Bush, Ray Keen Jr., Jimmy Whitehead, Chris Persinger, Dusty Stull, Neil Gilbert and Dale Lowry.
The parade was led by the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Covington Police Department and Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall, and ended with Santa Claus greeting the parade goers.
The police department entered a float urging everyone to have a happy and sober holiday.
Participants in the parade included:
Covington Highlighters and Tiny Tots, James “Cheeze Claus” Smith, Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother Brenda Lindsay, Alleghany Highlands YMCA, Covington Cougar Cubs championship football team, and William Deisher and his little dog pulling a wagon.
Edgemont Primary School, Covington Fire Department, Covington Rescue Squad, Kountry Kickers, area Girl Scout troops, Queen for a Cause Suzanne Adcock, and the Falling Spring Fire Department and Rescue Squad.
Rhinestone Rockers, West End Titans B League Cheerleaders, Clifton Forge Fire Department, Oak Hill Bible Church, Darrien Beirne riding a four-wheeler, Virginia Tiny Miss Taylor Malcolm and the Covington Devils B league cheerleaders.
Big Al from Mix 104 and Big Country 101, Covington Junior Woman’s Club, Christ United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, Shadtree Towing, Alleghany High School Choir, and the 4-H Highlands Horse Brigade.
Senior Miss Queen of Hearts Heather Hinebaugh, Junior Miss Queen of Hearts Noel Brantley, Young Miss Queen of Hearts Montana Hall, Little Miss Queen of Hearts Cassie Conner and Tiny Miss Queen of Hearts Kiersten Smith.
Boiling Springs Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Extreme Detail, Covington Cub Scout Pack 115, Covington Paperworkers Union Local 675, Dunlap Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Dixie Gas and Oil and Kars Unlimited.
Selma Fire Department, Iron Gate Fire Department and First Responders, the Salvation Army, Glen Wilton Fire Department, Covington Baptist Church, Miss Fall Foliage Anna Wilson and Santa’s float.
The next Christmas parades will be held Saturday. The Iron Gate Christmas Parade begins at 1 p.m. and the Millboro Christmas Parade will get underway at 3 p.m.
Clifton Forge held its annual Christmas parade Friday night.
