By Marie Griffin

SMITHFIELD -- The city drove in the Christmas season with its annual light parade last week. Participants and spectators alike claimed the festivities were the perfect kick-off for the holidays.

Over the past several years the Monday after Thanksgiving has become the traditional day on which to hold the city's light parade. Residents decorate their vehicles, trailers, boats, and other means of transportation to enter the parade. This year, the city of Preston, Idaho, donated some entries to enhance the parade.

The 15 or so total entries included a wrecker, complete with reindeer, a train, and a tricycle. McDonald's, among other businesses, joined the parade as well.

The Lion's Club directed the happenings of the Christmas parade. Councilman Preston Watts headed the parade for the City Council. His traditional role as Easter Bunny during Health Days in the spring made an appearance pulling Santa's sleigh in the parade.

Watts said there was great participation among residents at the parade. Council members estimated that around 500 people were in attendance.

Smithfield resident Jenele Garrett felt that the parade was a worthwhile endeavor. "It's always fun to see the community come together," she said.

Even non-residents appreciated the opportunity for an eventful evening. Martha Carling, a student at Utah State University, went to the parade with a group of friends. "We had a blast!"

The city uses the parade as a means of unifying the people and inviting the holiday spirit. But more importantly, they want to provide a Christmas celebration for those who may not otherwise have a chance for one.

After the parade, everyone gathered at the Youth Center. Children had an opportunity to receive gifts from the various businesses that gathered there. They sat on Santa's lap, ate cookies and drank punch. At the end of the night, the town Christmas lights are turned on for the first time as the commencement of the season.

At last week's City Council meeting the representatives discussed the parade and agreed it had been a huge success. Watts said improvements for next year's parade are already being planned.

NW
MS

September 1998
October 1998

January 1999
February 1999
March 1999
April 1999
September 1999
October 1999
November 1999
December 1999

January 2000
February 2000
March 2000
April 2000
May 2000
June 2000
July 2000
August 2000
September 2000
October 2000
November 2000
December 2000

January 2001
February 2001
March 2001
April 2001
May 2001
June 2001
July 2001
August 2001
September 2001
October 2001
November 2001
December 2001