Column: Chamber announces Christmas parade winners, thanks volunteeers

Beautiful weather and mild temperatures helped to make the Saturday, Dec. 8, Christmas parade a success. Approximately 100 entries participated in the parade.

Judges awarded six awards after the parade:

• Spectacular Sparkles Award (given to the outstanding entry that presents an outstanding display of lights and/or other type of illumination) — TransTech;
• Elfin Magic Award (given to the outstanding entry featuring children as the main part of the entry) — Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association;
• Spirit Award (given to the entry that has the most enthusiasm during the parade) — Girl Scouts;
• Director’s Award (given to the best walking/marching group) — ORHS WildBand;
• Chamber Award (given to the overall outstanding entry presenting and illustrating the parade theme) — Calvary Baptist Church;
• Judge’s Award (given to the entry that has the best overall originality, creativity, appearance and uniqueness of decorations) — City of Oak Ridge Electric Department.

Parker Hardy, president and chief executive officer of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce said: “Thanks to all our wonderful volunteer parade marshals and judges for helping to make the parade a successful and safe event. And, of course we appreciate all the hundreds of people involved in putting together and being a part of each of the over 100 parade entries who participated.”

Greta Ownby, executive vice president of the Chamber added: “Our sincere thanks also goes to Brad Jones at BBB Communications, David Bradshaw, Tony Cox, Oak Ridge Public Works, Oak Ridge Police Department, Oak Ridge Fire Department, Oak Ridge Parks and Recreation, and the Cowperwood Company.”

The Chamber would also like to express sincere appreciation to volunteer parade marshals: Norm Nelson; Kerry Trammell; Ray Smith; Paige and Michael Russell and family; Gene Dunaway; Lorri Myers; Ron Myers; Jutta Bangs; William Bangs; J.P. Hilton; Chuck Hope; Betsy Prine; Liz Kohnen; Henry Perry; and several family members of the Chamber staff.

And finally, thanks to our parade judges: Jim Dodson, Leigha Edwards, and Scott Gillenwaters.

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is a four-star accredited chamber of commerce and the winner of the ACCE 2010 Chamber of the Year designation.