The huge cedar tree at Powell Station Park stands covered in hundreds of lights to herald the Christmas season. The lights were turned on Saturday in festivities following the annual Lions Club Christmas Parade.
Laura Bailey chaired the committee from the Powell Business & Professional Association that organized the event which featured hot chocolate, cookies, the tree lighting, the Powell High Singers and even a visit from Santa.
Charley and Linnie Sexton were there with their daughters, who had clogged in the parade. “This is just great,” Charley said, observing that the Powell parade had seemed longer than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Frontier Communications donated staff and equipment to get the lights installed, Bailey said.
The float from Old Beverly Baptist Church won the $50 check for best float. It awed parade watchers with a device that blew “snow” onto the crowd. This writer’s favorite was the gang from Kennedy Dentistry who walked along the route, handing out toothbrushes to kids who were gathering bags of candy from the marchers.
Commissioner Charles Busler and wife Sharon were in the parade, as was school board chair Patti Bounds and husband Tommy. Morning Pointe of Powell had residents riding in an ancient fire truck, while Premier Transportation had a huge, brightly colored bus to haul members of the Powell High School Alumni Association.
Powell Elementary School principal Denise Blefko even had a float, leaning down to greet students along the route.
Great weather. Great parade. Great fellowship at Powell Station Park. Merry Christmas everyone!