Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Chamber notes turn out for Christmas parade

The Gurdon Chamber of Commerce talk Tuesday was about the success of this year's Gurdon Christmas parade, held Thursday, Dec. 2.

Mary Smith, Chamber president, "The weather held out for us. It seemed like a larger turnout than usual and people were even in a Christmas mood the next day, over at Sonic."

In addition to Chamber floats and gift winners, Smith, Sonic manager, said she is considering some grade school float contests next year, with food as prizes.

"I thought about it this year, but did not have the time to get it organized," she said. "It may be a way to get more children to come out and participate in the parade festivities."

Anita Cabe and Clayton Franklin, also Chamber members, said they appreciated the good turnout and nice weather for this year's parade. They thanked Jon Capps for his efforts in organizing the event. Cabe suggested Arkadelphia be called next year with Gurdon's preliminary date so as to encourage them to have their parade at a different time.

The Chamber voted to have Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, set as the tentative date for next year's Gurdon Christmas parade.

The following winners were announced for the 2004 Christmas parade: floats; first place, Senior Adult Center, $150; second place, Center Grove United Methodist Church, $100; and third place, Gurdon 4-H Stars, $75.

Doug Quillin, president of Gurdon's Central Arkansas Development Center (CADC) Senior Citizens Center, said the senior float winning theme was, "Hark the Harold Angels Sing."

In the cars category, Bethlehem Baptist Church won first place, $50; Whelen Springs Fire Department, second place, $40; and Sonic restaurant, third place, $30.

On ATV-bicycles, Max Currey had first place and won $20; while Tom White took second place, winning $15.

As to motorcycles, Jim Vance had first place with $35, Gary Hill, second place, $25; and Kenneth Harper, third place with $20.

Gift certificate winners were: Christine Hatley, $50; Rita Stricklin, $50; and Callie King, $100.

In other business, the Chamber banquet was discussed. Cabe said it will be sometime in March and she will let the group know when a definite date has been set.

Moreover, a nominating committee will be named in January for the 2005 Chamber of Commerce board.

The town Chamber of Commerce sign discussion was tabled, as plans are for it to be built after the holidays.