Christmas on the Square “Live Window” Display Winners Announced

December 4, 2023
By:

The enchanting Christmas on the Square event once again brought the magic of the holiday season to our downtown, with captivating “Live Window” displays that left judges in awe. The competition was fierce, as local businesses showcased their creativity and festive spirit, making it a challenging task for the judges to select the winners.

Chamber Director Suzanne Williams expressed her amazement, stating, “The downtown window displays are something to see! Our local business owners show off their talents at this special event.”

Receiving the First-Place title is Cantrell’s Clothing, whose display featured a lively scene of a singing and dancing Elvis along with adoring girls dressed in poodle skirts. The combination of nostalgia and holiday cheer captured the hearts of both judges and spectators alike. Smithville Mayor Josh Miller personally donated $250 to the First Place Winner’s Charity of Choice, DeKalb County Angel Tree Project, Inc.

Securing the Second-Place spot is DeKalb County Florist, whose window boasted a delightful ensemble featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, a Gingerbread Man, and hardworking elves. The attention to detail and festive elements made their display stand out to the judges.

Earning Third Place is Cheryl’s Beau Bees with a magical scene from the Nutcracker. The artistry and imagination displayed in this portrayal of the classic holiday tale impressed the judges and added a touch of elegance to the festivities.

Normally, there is a Chamber Choice Award, but due to the equally fabulous windows, the separate judges for this award couldn’t choose between Button Willow General Store and Coffee Shop’s heartwarming Buddy the Elf scene accompanied by live music from a talented violinist and pianist, The Arts Garage’s tribute to Bob Ross, The Purple Door Antiques and Uniques’ Ski Scene with vintage skis and a real dog, RealSource’s playful rendition of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” The Vintage Owl’s beautiful Barbie, The Attic on West Walnut’s scene with Santa, Mrs. Claus, adorable little ballerinas, and a handmade sleigh, and The Male Room Bro-tique’s dynamic duo of Santa and the Grinch with the green-lit Male Room Grinchmobile. Thank you to all for going above and beyond!

The Christmas on the Square “Live Window” Displays truly brought the holiday spirit to life, captivating both young and old. Their creativity added an extra layer of joy and fun to the festive season. Congratulations to all for making this year’s event truly memorable.

December 4, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Santa made another appearance in DeKalb County on Sunday night for the Alexandria Christmas Parade.

(View more photos of the Alexandria Christmas Parade on the WJLE Facebook Page)

The town’s annual holiday tradition, held for the fourth consecutive year after dark, gave onlookers a chance to experience the spirit of the season under the glow of lights along the parade route from West Main Street to the downtown square.

The Grand Marshal was Jeff Ford of the Alexandria Church of Christ.

The parade made its way into town led by Alexandria Police Chief Travis Bryant. The Parade also featured floats, the DCHS band, vintage / antique automobiles, horseback riders, ATVS, Mayor Russell Bradshaw, State Representative Michael Hale and wife Tara, Mr. and Mrs. DeKalb County Shane and Susan Martin, the Alexandria and DeKalb County Fire Departments, Smithville- DeKalb Rescue Squad, DeKalb EMS, Santa Claus, and more.

No awards were presented this year but drawings for prizes followed the parade.

December 4, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The town of Liberty rang in the holiday season with its annual Christmas Parade Sunday afternoon.

With rains having forced a one week postponement of the Smithville Parade on Saturday, Liberty became the opening act for parade lovers in DeKalb County this year featuring a showcase of holiday themed floats, vintage automobiles and farm tractors, horseback riders, the DCHS band, Liberty Mayor Audrey Martin, the grand marshal, State Representative Michael Hale and wife Tara, Mr. and Mrs DeKalb County Shane and Susan Martin, ATVs and motorcycles, Smoky the Bear and the Tennessee Forestry Division, emergency vehicles including the DeKalb County EMS, DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department featuring the Liberty Station, Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad, Sheriff Patrick Ray, County Mayor Matt Adcock, Register of Deeds Daniel Seber, Road Supervisor Danny Hale, Assessor of Property Shannon Cantrell, and more including the star of the show, Santa Claus.

Parade participants began lining up at Salem Baptist Church and putting finishing touches on their floats as early as an hour before start time and then as the parade made its way down Main Street to the center of town it was greeted by hundreds who lined with street to get a good view and a chance to scoop up some of the candy tossed to the crowd by Santa and others in the parade.

After the parade, awards were presented to the best entries and drawings were held for prize giveaways.

Salem Baptist Church took 1st place for their float entry and Back 40 Farms from the Harvey Family of Liberty (Alyssa, Brynn, Bryce, Wesleigh, Braxton, and the Grinch) received 2nd place.

For Vintage or Antique automobiles, Brady Evans won 1st place while Mark and Melinda Miller were awarded 2nd place.

The Spirit awards went to Bill Stanton -1st place and to Luke Prichard-2nd place.

For kids, Alexis Reynolds won 1st place and 2nd place went to Brayden Carter, Kye, and Briggs.

Meanwhile, the Smithville Christmas Parade has been rescheduled for Saturday December 9th and will begin at 2:00 pm.

The parade lineup will be at the New Life Connection center on Congress Boulevard

The parade, sponsored by the Smithville Fire Department, will move down Congress Boulevard to Don Cantrell Street around the square then onto West Main Street and will end once it gets to the intersection at South college Street.

“You Do Not have to register to be in the parade, just show up the day of the parade between Noon and 1:45 pm and we will put you inline as you arrive,” said Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker

The band and any one unloading people or supplies should park in the Dekalb Community Complex parking lot next door. Only parade entries will be allowed in the New Life parking lot.

2023 Parade Guidelines
•Parade entries will enter through the Dekalb Community Complex parking lot behind On The Way Market.

• We recommend that Parade entries should have a clear sign as to who or what organization they are representing.
• Side-by-sides are allowed with licensed drivers, but no 4 wheelers.
• Candy is allowed to be passed out to the crowd. Please make every effort to get the candy out to the crowd and not in the roadway.
• Horses and wagons should unload at Bill page ballpark and make your way down Bryant Street to enter the parade at the redlight.
• Only one official Santa is permitted in the parade and he has already committed to ride on the Fire Truck.

The City of Smithville or The Smithville Fire Department is not responsible for any damages, injuries, or liabilities associated with the Smithville Christmas Parade. The City of Smithville or The Smithville Fire Department does not provide any liability insurance for protection for individuals, organizations, spectators, or any others who may participate in the 2023 Smithville Christmas Parade.

(Note: Poor Video quality)

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