Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Winners named for holiday events at Christmas on the Square

Hundreds of area residents lined the streets of downtown Prescott Tuesday, Dec. 7 for the annual Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square.

They watched the floats go by, noting some interesting entries this year, such as the cheerleader boat float, complete with angling cheerleaders, and some walking "kisses". However, the culmination of the parade, as it always is, was the arrival of everybody's favorite jolly old elf, Santa Claus, riding high in a new bright red sleigh.

From there it was on to the Nevada County Courthouse for Christmas on the Square. The entertainment kicked off with the Wolf-pride Marching Band of Prescott High School. The band entertained the crowd with Christmas classics, while several children added to the festivities by dancing to the band's performance.

The Presbyterian pre-school followed singing Christmas carols, much to the delight of the chilled audience. The pre-school children were followed by Lexi Karlovec who also sang carols.

Lexi's mom, Brandi Karlovec, gathered children around her on the courthouse steps to get their assistance in singing more carols. The entertainment ended with Karen Richards singing.

However, inside the courthouse, lines formed for children to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, and let him know what they wanted for Christmas this year. Many children had their photo taken with Santa, and all received candy for their visit.

When patrons of Christmas on the Square got too cold, the 4-H Livestock Club was on hand to sell them hot chocolate and cookies, the perfect thing for a cool autumn evening.

When the entertainment was over it was time for the announcement of who won the window decorating contest for businesses, along with the winners of the home decorating contests.

For the downtown business window decorating contest, the winner was the law firm of McKenzie, McRae, Vasser and Barber. This business was presented a wooden plaque.

Winners for the parade of homes in the city of Prescott were James and Shelia Cannon for best theme; the Hamilton-Blakely Senior Adult Center for best lighted display and Terry Oliver for the best unlighted display.

In the county, the best theme went to Rosston's A.B. Luck, while the best lighted went to Baker and Barbara Butler. Joe and Brandy Johnson won the best unlighted display. All were presented signs to put in their yards proclaiming their accomplishment.

These, though, weren't the only winners announced. Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce announced the victors in the parade as well.

First place for the marching group went to the Hershey's Kisses, while the best decorated pet went to Jesna Inlow. Kit Miner was named winner in the best decorated four-wheeler, with Brooke Cornelius and Lupe Ramos taking honors for the best decorated truck.

In the mini-float division, Taylor McCoy was the winner.

In the float division, the best overall theme went to the 39th Brigade. First place was bestowed upon the ninth grade cheerleaders, while the 39th National Guard Brigade placed second. Third place went to First Baptist Church, with Dancetastics taking fourth place. The Bank of Prescott's entry was fifth.

The evening's festivities came to an end with the ever popular Snowball Avalanche. Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, and Joe Graham, Chamber president, climbed in the city's bucket truck and fired ping pong balls into the crowd. However, prior to the launching of the ping pong balls, Godwin explained to the audience there were three divisions, one for children, one for teens and one for adults.

When the ping pong balls began flying, it was every person for themselves in each of the groups. The balls, Godwin said, contained discounts or gifts from businesses in Prescott.