The streets of West Jefferson came alive on Saturday afternoon as children and parade goers of all ages lined the sidewalks of Jefferson Avenue in anticipation for the 2009 Holiday Parade, sponsored by the Parker Tie Co.

The blare of sirens from fire trucks and ambulances filled the air, to the delight of children, and the aroma of freshly cooked funnel cakes and popcorn completed the picturesque parade environment. Temperatures remained in the upper 60s and sunshine was plentiful as the county came out in droves for the annual pre-holiday festivities.

Young dancers, aspiring beauty queens, and cub scouts from a local Boy Scout troop were just a handful of Saturday’s featured acts. Participants of all ages enlisted their services in the holiday parade, which officials are calling one of the more successful ones in the event’s history. The Ashe County Husky Vanguard Marching Band, and the JROTC, which sported each American state’s flag, made their annual appearance in Saturday’s procession. Local law enforcement officials, firemen, and paramedics took time off from their normal duties to participate in the celebratory procession and once again provided the flashing lights and shrilling sounds for the event. Ashe County’s Honor Guard, which honors the county’s fallen firefighters, was once again on hand to honor those locals who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Rounding out the event was a live nativity scene and good ol’ St. Nick, which reminded attendees of the rapidly approaching holiday season.

This year’s parade seemed to have a little bit of something for everyone. Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald, accompanied by his accomplice, the Hamburglar, attracted the immediate attention of Ashe County’s younger generation. Modified racing lawnmowers and shiny antique cars caught the eyes of older parade fans and the county’s veterans stood proudly as a large American flag was escorted between floats.

Parade Chairman Pete Yates said that it may have been “the biggest crowd” the parade has ever seen.

“It was a great parade,” Yates said. “When everyone participates, everyone wins.”

Parade organizers bumped up the start of the parade from its traditional start time of 2 p.m. to 12 p.m. They did so to “allow the parade to finish before it starts getting cool in the afternoon.” It was also the intent of organizers to allow the parade attendees to visit some of downtown’s local shops before they closed, Yates said.

With any large downtown turnout there is always an issue with public safety but Yates felt that the event “went well” thanks in part to the traffic control of the West Jefferson Police Department.

“I don’t think we even had one child with a skinned knee during Saturday’s parade,” Yates said.

Parade judges have at least one surprise following this year’s parade. Officials could not determine an outright winner in the “Best Non-commercial Float” category so Pine Swamp Baptist Church and Happy Trails Cowboy Church will share that honor. Warrensville Cub Scout Pack #215 took home the Best Youth Group award and McDonald’s restaurant received “Best Commercial Float” honors.

For more info on the parade (organized by West Jefferson Lions Club) and a list of the float winners, visit online at www.westjeffersonlionsclub.

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