2009 Azle Christmas Parade
The Azle Area Chamber of Commerce, Azle Optimists Club, and Azle News joined together to sponsor the 2009 Christmas Parade.
The tree lighting ceremony and parade was held on Saturday, December 5th, 2009. This year’s theme was “The Christmas Gift”. We had a large crowd at this year’s celebration. Everyone enjoyed shopping downtown Azle, the variety of live entertainment and the children were excited to get a photo taken with Santa.
We had some new and exciting things at this year’s Azle Christmas Celebration. There was a variety of different parade entries including an antique fire-truck, Azle High School marching band, Santa on a motorcycle, the Azle Sertoma train, Emerald Dazzlers, Boy Scout floats, Lucy, the Red-nosed donkey, neon colored guerillas from Real Family Fellowship, and an array of other creative floats. Pinnacle Bank provided the horse and carriage for Santa to ride at the tail end of the parade. Ash Creek Band led the crowd in singing “Joy to the World” after the official lighting of the Christmas tree. Several other groups from the community performed that evening including the High School women’s choir; dancers from Jo Bond’s Dance Studio; kids from Briar Baptist Children’s Choir; the Azle High School Jazz Band; and singer, Leslie Jones.
One of the newest additions to this year’s event was the “Shop Downtown Azle” promotion. Patrons received a “Shop Downtown Azle” card outside of the Azle museum at the hot chocolate, coffee, and cookie table. Many shoppers were hoping to win the Grand Prize basket valued at $500 and eagerly tried to find each store clerk to sign their card. The basket was filled with a variety of items donated by many of the local downtown shops. Several of the shops offered complimentary snacks or hot drinks inside their stores to their customers. Although the weather outside was chilly, it definitely felt like Christmas. Most people dressed warm and enjoyed a wonderful evening on Main Street. Next year we plan to expand the evening with more events and more excitement on Main Street. Make sure you mark on your calendars for the 1st Saturday in December for the 2010 Parade and Christmas Celebration.
A great big THANK YOU to all of our volunteers, shop owners, parade entries, musicians, choirs, dancers and spectators!!! Merry Christmas to everyone and thanks for making this event a great one!
Winners from the Christmas parade: Best Overall: Century 21 Real Estate
Most Christmas Spirit: Pinnacle Bank
Best Theme: Boy Scout Troup #147 float
Most Creative: Azle Sertoma Club train
Best Texas Christmas: Parker County 4-H youth with horses
Winners from the Business Decorationg Contest on Main Street:
Most Christmas Spirit: Wild West Toys
Best Theme: Rural Gas Supply Co.
Most Creative: Neat Cuts
Best Christmas Light Display: Burton Trophy Co.
Regina Stokes from Pinnacle Bank won the “Shop Downtown Azle” drawing (basket full of items worth $500)
