CHOCOWINITY — The Christmas season arrived in fine fashion Nov. 23 with a parade, craft show and other festivities in Chocowinity.
A highlight of the day’s festivities was the parade, which featured Santa Claus, elected officials, political candidates, school groups, churches and local businesses decked out in their holiday finery.
Voted the best of the best was Raised In A Barn Farm, which received the blue ribbon for its down home float. Second prize went to Tar Heel Variety Theater, while judges awarded the third place ribbon to Haw Branch Church of Christ and Unity Christian Academy.
Grand marshal David Fields and wife Cathy, dressed in red and looking like younger, slimmer versions of Santa and Mrs. Claus, were featured guests. Fields was chosen for the honor because of his volunteer work on behalf of the town and its citizens, especially his devotion to the local volunteer fire department.
“It was quite an honor … I wasn’t expecting it,” Fields said of his grand marshal status. “I love Chocowinity and I try to do as much as I can.”
The day’s festivities also included a pancake breakfast and annual Christmas Expo at the fire department. The latter included vendors selling everything from Christmas tree ornaments and wreaths to homemade jams and jellies, artwork and hand painted gourds. And fresh from their first place win in the parade, the folks at Raised In A Barn Farm hosted a homespun open house that featured games, musical entertainment, food and family fun for all ages.