The Cherokee County Christmas Parade ushered in the season this past weekend as some 120-plus units rolled through Main Street in Centre. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Spirit of Cherokee and other parade organizers were proud to report a successful event on a chilly, perfect for Christmas Weather day.

The cast of TheatreCentre’s 2008 production, Winter Wonderettes, opened the event with a few tunes at the bandstand. Cherokee County Commission Chairman/Probate Judge Melvyn Salter gave the invocation.

Serving as Grand Marshal for this year’s parade was the town of Leesburg. This year’s parade participants included floats, Shriners, vintage cars and tractors, horses, representatives of all local schools including the winning Cherokee County High School Warriors Football team and others.

WEIS Radio personalities Jerry Baker and Shelia Richardson made note of one of the largest displays of fire trucks in recent history provided by the Cherokee County Fire Association and took the opportunity to extend appreciation to fire fighters, rescue squad and other emergency responders for the job they do to protect lives seven days a week, 24 hours per day.

Float winners this year were Gaylesville Pre-K unit, first place and Fairview United Methodist Church Kids’ Program, second place. Tied for third place were Cherokee Health and Rehab and Cherokee’s Got Talent. Honorable Mention winners included Cherokee Village Assisted Living Center, the Little Warriors, Centre Cub Scouts Pack 247, Sand Rock Cub Scouts Pack 80, Michelle Bright and Centre Wal-mart.

And once again, Santa Claus arrived just in time for the parade finale to greet local citizens and dispense candy to local children.

On behalf of the Spirit of Cherokee, Baker and Richardson extended their appreciation to all those who volunteered to make the parade possible, including local law enforcement agents who assisted with traffic control, the Cherokee County Rescue Squad, those responsible for decoration and set up and numerous others.

Thereasa Hulgan, executive director, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, took a few moments to remind citizens that the Chamber has moved into its new headquarters on the Gadsden State Community College-Cherokee Campus at 801 Cedar Bluff Road. She invited citizens to stop by and see their new offices.

Hulgan also said she was pleased with this year’s parade.

“The little nip in the air was perfect for a Christmas parade,” said Hulgan. “We had a really good turnout and everything went well.”