Madison Christmas Parade brightens spirits despite rain

Ethan Worcester, recording artist Cristina Lynn and Zach Langston greet the crowd from the Madison Chamber of Commerce float at the Madison Christmas Parade. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Misty rain didn’t thwart the holiday spirit for the Madison Christmas Parade on Dec. 14.

“This year’s parade was the largest ever,” special event coordinator Gayle Milam said.

Gateway Management Company received the “Spectacular Sparkles Award” for outstanding lighting. Fourth-graders from St. John the Baptist Catholic School earned the “Elfin Magic Award” as the best children’s group.

The “Spirit Award” went to James Clemens High School Cheerleaders. For their upbeat sounds, Bob Jones High School Marching Band won the “Director’s Award.”

Cub Scout Pack 8 took the “Mayor’s Award” for best portraying the theme, “O’ Christmas Tree.” Madison Mission Drumcorps earned the “Parade Performance Award” for crowd-pleasing originality. Madison Parks & Recreation Department won the “Parade Committee Award,” recognizing best overall appearance.

Madison Family of the Year, the Cooks; Mayor Troy Trulock; and Madison City Council greeted spectators. Sports teams were HITS Baseball, AYSO 498 and Huntsville Futbol Club.

Civic groups included Rotary Club of Madison and Al Sullivan, Rotary’s Veteran of the Year, International Society of Huntsville, Madison Animal Rescue Foundation, SARTEC K-9 Search & Rescue Unit, AMBUCS ambulatory care, HEMSI and Madison Chamber of Commerce.

School entries were JROTC Cadets and Jet Marching Band, James Clemens; Liberty Middle School Cheerleaders; basketball cheerleaders and Panthers Marching Band, Discovery Middle School; and Bob Jones JROTC.

Scout groups included Cub Scout 83; Girl Scout Service Unit 36 and Troops 32, 719 and 10112; Brownie Troop 65/Jr. Troop 917; Daisy Troop 32; Wolf and Bear Den, Pack 201, along with Musogee Nation members of Indian Princess.

Pageant winners Kieli and Autumn Dotson, West Main Studios School of Dance/Acrobatics and Children’s Theatre of Madison participated.

Businesses included Madaris Siding & Windows, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Eastview Family Dentistry, Dr. Shock LLC, Carmax, Tutor Doctor, Somerset at Madison, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Bellus Salon and Spa and Walgreen’s.

Media representatives entered from Fox 54, WRSA Lite 96.9, Rocket 95.1 and, from Culumus Radio, 104.3 WZYP, 94.1 WHRP, Journey 93.3 and Radio 730.