By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
news@wdnweb.com
Contributing Writer
AURORA — Arbell Harrington sat crocheting a winter cap during the Aurora Volunteer Rescue Squad Holiday Craft Fair on Sunday afternoon, patiently awaiting her next customer.
Harrington, a native of the Beaufort County community of Edward and who lives in Greenville, was surrounded by examples of her handiwork, created in a rainbow of colors. Potential customers were browsing among the craft-fair booths, some of them seeking shelter in the community center from the periodic downpours of rain.
They had plenty of gift items from which to choose. Along with Harrington’s merchandise, crafters offered jewelry, knitted ankle warmers, Christmas ornaments and decorations, baked goods, fruitcakes and baskets.
“The weather has made a difference,” said Harrington, who was participating in the fair for a second year. “We were hoping for a clear day today, but it’s still raining so it’s been kind of slow. Maybe we’ll get more people in after the parade.”
The traditional holiday parade, hosted by the Aurora/Richland Township Chamber of Commerce, was the centerpiece of Sunday’s festivities. The threat of rain was ever present, but Mother Nature smiled on the event, sending just a light drizzle at most during the procession.
Aurora Mayor Clif Williams rode near the beginning of the parade, leading a list of elected officials. Also featured were school groups — including representatives of S.W. Snowden School, Chocowinity Middle School, Southside High School and Pamlico County High School — as well as entries sponsored by area churches and businesses.
Youngsters not scrambling for candy treats tossed along the parade route took place in the procession; among the participants were a Babe Ruth baseball team, Scouts and other youth organizations.
Santa Claus, joined by a dozen or so children, greeted the crowds from his perch atop a float provided by PotashCorp.
Local law-enforcement agencies were well represented. Among them were the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Aurora Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard Station Hobucken and the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the latter showing off its classic patrol car.
Fire and rescue personnel from throughout the county helped celebrate the holiday season, including units from Aurora, Blounts Creek, Chocowinity and Belhaven.
Special guests included the Dunn Clowns and Sudan Shriners, always popular among Aurora spectators on hand for the Christmas parade as well as the Fossil Festival parade held Memorial Day weekend.