BATH — A spirited centenarian was given the honor of serving as grand marshal of Sunday afternoon’s Christmas parade in Bath.
Verena M. Paul, who celebrated her 100th birthday in September, greeted spectators from a 1922 Ford Model T convertible. She was accompanied by daughters Evelyn Williams and Cindy Slade.
Eyeing her chauffeur Stan Hudson, Paul joked, “I said I wanted to find me a younger man, and there he is!”
Paul spent her younger years as a homemaker and farm wife. She has six children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and even after passing the century mark in life she is an active member of Sidney Free Will Baptist Church.
Bath’s Christmas parade, held since 1984 according to organizer Jean Bowen, is billed as the largest in Beaufort County with between 150 and 175 floats, classic automobiles, tractors, motorcycles and fire trucks participating each year. Planning for this year’s parade began in September with Bowen, Nelda Ormond, Claudia Alligood and Gordon Pippin doing the bulk of the work.
According to the parade committee, the float by Flanders Filters won the first place ribbon in the civic category as well as the award for overall best in show. Second among civic entries was Gary Sullivan’s barrel train and third was awarded to Tumble B Gym.
The float sponsored by Athens Chapel Church of Christ was awarded the ribbon in the church category, while awards for automobiles went to Lane Alligood and Megan Roberson. Ribbons in the school category were presented to Bath Elementary School, Beaufort County Community College and the Preservation of Bath High School organization.
Beaufort County’s holiday parade season continues this weekend with Belhaven’s event on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. The town of Aurora will host its parade on Sunday beginning at 3 p.m. The final announced parade will be held in Edward on Dec. 16 beginning at 3 p.m.

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