Cherokee County Christmas Parade 2009 went off without a hitch this past weekend, as 100 units passed by the reviewing stand. Frigid temperatures help set the atmosphere for the season with citizens lining the street, many in several layers of clothing.

The parade is sponsored by the Spirit of Cherokee. This year’s parade lineup included the Cherokee County High School Marching Band, the Warrior Championship Football Team and Cheerleaders, antique cars, horses, motorcycle clubs and more.

WEIS Radio Personalities Jerry Baker and Shelia Richardson were emcees for this year’s event. Pre-parade entertainment included a performance by Ronny Kisor and Friends at the reviewing stand.

Following an invocation by the Rev. Tommy Ledbetter, pastor of Centre First United Methodist Church, the parade began. The town of Sand Rock served as Grand Marshal for this year’s parade.

Winners in the float division included Cherokee Medical Center, first place winner Business category: Cherokee Village Assisted Living Center and Friendship Baptist Church, tied for first place in the Civic/Non-profits category; Centre Congregational Holiness Church, which received an honorable mention in the Civic/Non-profits category and Sand Rock Cub Scouts Pack 80 which received first place in the Schools category.

Judges for the float contest included one judge from Collinsville, and two who recently moved to this area from Michigan.

The parade concluded with Santa Claus which was following by local fire departments and other emergency responders.

Thereasa Hulgan, executive director, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, reported that the parade, sponsored by the Spirit of Cherokee, was a huge success.

“I thought it went very well,” said Hulgan. “I actually rode in the parade this year and was able to see it from beginning to end. There was a good crowd all the way. I was pleased with how it went.”