City workers, clubs and students win parade awards

MADISON – Civic clubs, school groups and city employees nabbed prizes for their floats and marching units in the Madison Christmas Parade on Dec. 9.

Mayor Paul Finley and Madison City Council President Tommy Overcash presented the awards at the Dec. 18 council meeting.

The theme for the 2017 parade was “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.” Families and groups braved the cold temperature that was fitting for this annual event in Madison, which starts near Madison Public Library and disperses in downtown.

Rocket City Rock Crawlers received the “Spectacular Sparkles Award” for their outstanding use of lights or other illumination. Rotary Club of Madison featured children as the focal point of its unit to win the “Elfin Magic Award.”

Third-graders from St. John the Baptist Catholic School won the “Spirit Award” for exhibiting the most enthusiasm among marching units. Westminster Christian Academy Marching Band took home the “Director’s Award” for the best small marching/walking group. James Clemens High School Marching Band received the “Director’s Award” for large marching group.

The “Mayor’s Award” for small and large floats depicted the best interpretation of the parade theme: Opie Balch Realty and Cub Scout Pack 8, respectively. The “Parade Committee Award” recognized best overall originality and appearance for both a small and large unit: Batteries Plus Bulbs and SARTEC K-9 Unit, respectively.

The Cotton Candies Marching Crew won the “Parade Performance Award” for their entertaining and crowd-pleasing performance.

Gayle Milam, City Event and Volunteer Coordinator for the City of Madison, coordinated the parade participants.