Falkville hosts inaugural Christmas parade
FALKVILLE, Ala. – The town of Falkville held its first Christmas parade Tuesday night, and saw a huge turnout.
Mayor Ken Winkles said the event was far bigger and better than he could have imagined.
“It was amazing,” Winkles smiled. “I am so grateful to the community for always showing up and supporting all the town events. Thank you to all who made it a great success.”
Planning for the parade was executed by Winkles, Robert Summerford, Brooke Jones, Savannah Jenkins and Danielle Hayes.
Summerford said the parade was born from a dream he wanted for the town.
“I have always loved parades and hated that we didn’t have one in Falkville,” he shared. “Last year at the Christmas in the Park event, I mentioned to the mayor I wanted to do something like this to help our town and spread the Christmas spirit. Little did I know it would turn into an event of this magnitude!”
Police Chief Aaron Burgess helped map the parade route and his department, along with the Town’s Public Works employees, handled the large event without mishap.
“I had a vision and hopes of having about 15 floats and what it turned into is more than I could ever imagine for our first Christmas parade,” Hayes said.
In all, there were 28 floats, six golf carts, 47 vehicles, 15 tractors, 30 horses, the Falkville High School Marching Band and Boy Scout Troop 336.
Winners included Steve Bennett (golf cart), Jacynthia Moses (cars) and Austin Roy (horses).
“I looked at Ally (Summerford) and Brooke (Jones) when we were coming by Jack McCaig Park and said, ‘I’m not even a (native) Falkville girl, but I’ve got tears in my eyes because of how proud I am with the turnout,’” Jenkins said. “It was so magical with all the lights, floats and the trees at the park.”
“Our inaugural Christmas parade was celebrated all night by our community,” Falkville Town Clerk Dawn Estes said. “It is a blessing to bring people together, to see the smiles and good cheer!”
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