BRUCE BEGGS Bruce Beggs has been selected as the grand marshal of the 2006 Lincolnton Holiday Parade which will be held Saturday, December 2, beginning at 3 p.m.

Sponsored annually by the Lincolnton Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, the parade is part of the Holidays in Olde Lincoln Towne Festival which will include a community Thanksgiving Service, Pioneer Day at the Lincoln County Historical Park, Breakfast With Our Legislators, and more.

In order to select the grand marshal for the parade, the chamber of commerce sponsored an essay contest in which local residents answered the question, "Who should be the grand marshal of the Lincolnton Holiday Parade and why?"

This year's essay was written by Russell Gibbs and his brother, Steven Gibbs. It is reprinted here in its entirety:

"We would like to nominate Bruce Beggs as grand marshal of the Lincolnton Holiday Parade.

"You all know who he is - the smiling face behind the camera at any of the special events in Lincolnton, including the Little League games at the recreation complex and the Miss LCHS Pageant. He is also one of the humorous commentators for Lincoln County Red Devil football.

"Bruce is a lifelong resident of Lincoln County. He began making contributions to the community at an early

age by volunteering to serve as a member of the new Lincoln County Rescue Squad as a teenager.

"In 1984, he was elected clerk of superior court and has held that job ever since.

"Along with his duties as clerk of court, Bruce is the official 'hub' of the courthouse. Just about everyone who enters the building stops by his office for directions or advice at which he is a sage.

"Besides being an active member of Lincolnton Baptist Church, Bruce helps cook breakfast at Anthony Chapel United Methodist Church every second Sunday.

"He also devotes a lot of time to videoing and announcing our football games. While our guys win the game, he and Greg Norman entertain us with their wit.

"In addition, Bruce records and compiles the DVDs for local pageants, school plays, and the annual Christmas parade. He captures the essence of the Holidays in Olde Lincoln Towne Festival, from the excitement of the parade, to folks eating funnel cakes afterwards, to the worn out child on Dad's shoulder.

"If you miss any local event, there is usually a copy of the DVD at the Lincoln County Library.

"Bruce has also been active in the Olde Lincoln Towne Players, both as an actor and as a director. He was co-director of the outdoor drama at Elijah Clark Park this past summer.

"Bruce does a lot for this community through his service as clerk of court and his many volunteer activities. We think is it time the citizens of Lincolnton and Lincoln County give Bruce Beggs a standing ovation."

As grand marshal of the Lincolnton Holiday Parade, Beggs will be further recognized at the annual chamber of commerce banquet in January.

Past grand marshals include Mary Glaze, Emma Smith, Joe Otis "Mr. Bud" Hawes, Murray and Mickey Norman, Coach Thomas Bunch, Welcome Mason, Frances Prater, Willie Harris, Ben Ross, and A.H. Wengrow.