Chamber announces winning entries in holiday parade

Southern Classic Realty won first place in the Golf Cart Division at the Lincolnton Holiday Parade held Saturday, December 1. The golf cart also took "Best of Show" honors. The parade is sponsored annually by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

The weather was cool and clear for the large crowd that turned out for the 2007 Lincolnton Holiday Parade held Saturday, December 1.

The parade is sponsored annually by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Holidays in Olde Lincoln Towne Festival.

The winners in the various parade categories were as follows:

Traditional Floats - The Lincoln County Board of Elections and Registration, first place; Peachtree Grooming, second place; and Michael D. Byrd - Brick and Stone Work, third place.

Religious Floats - Newberry Missionary Baptist Church, first place.

Novelty Floats - Lincoln County Family Connection, first place; Turner Realty, second place; and the LCMS Student Council, third place.

NEWBERRY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH First Place - Religious Floats

Golf Carts - Southern Classic Realty, first place, and Bentley Beggs, second place.

Tractors - Russell Reese, first place.

Decorated Horses/Mules - Jim McGee, first place.

Classic Cars - David Jenkins, first place, and Walker Norman, second place.

Best of Show - Southern Classic Realty.

The winning entries were awarded "LincolnCHECKS," which can be redeemed at any participating chamber business.

The parade was expertly coordinated for the chamber by Nancy Hohlwein and Melissa Burgess.

In her comments, Hohlwein, who serves as chamber president, thanked everyone who played a part in making the Holidays in Old Lincoln Towne Festival a success. "Countless hours go into planning this event, and without the help of our sponsors, local businesses, and most importantly, our volunteers, this day would not be possible.

"Everyone who played a role in the festivities should feel very proud of what was accomplished," she continued. "The parade was one of the biggest yet, with over 60 entries. We were also proud to bring back an old tradition - the lighting of the Christmas tree at the courthouse and singing carols by candlelight - and start a new one by finishing off the evening with a spectacular fireworks display."

In conclusion, Hohlwein said that seeing all of the smiling faces Saturday was priceless and made every hour spent preparing for the event worth it. "What a great community we live in, that we all come together and celebrate a time of fellowship with one another, if not all the time, at least one day of the year.

"Please join us again next year when I assure you, the holiday festival will only be bigger and better," she added.