By Becky Long
Publisher
Dark skies and rain on Saturday threatened the 2023 Hayesville Christmas Parade, but thanks to a window of sunshine and dry weather, the event went on at the planned 6 p.m. start time and ended up being one of the biggest in the parade’s history.
Sponsored by the Clay County Progress, parade committee members followed the weather closely on Saturday as did many others. Unfortunately the Andrews parade was rescheduled until 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 and the Towns County Parade was canceled altogether after two postponements due to rain.
Finally, the sun popped out around 2:30 p.m. and the temperature hovered in the low 60s. While the sky returned to its gray state, the rain held off until the end of Hayesville’s parade much to the delight of attendees and participants alike.
There were more than 40 entries in the Christmas Parade. The theme was “Christmas in Hay’ville” in a nod to the ever popular Dr. Seuss character, “The Grinch” in a story about how the little town of Whoville was saved from the Grinch trying to steal Christmas.
Congratulations to all the participants who showed off their creativity and Christmas spirit on every entry. Winners were:
•Mayor’s Choice, selected by Joe Slaton, Joy of Giving nonprofit and Mountain Harbour in the profit category.
• Best Themed Float: State Line Dock Watch & Repair.
• Best Faith-Based Display: Meadow Grove Baptist Church.
• Most Christmas Spirit: NC State Employees Credit Union.
• Best of Show horse: “Peace on Earth.”
• Best of Show car: Lucas Beaver
• Progress Choice: Clay County Trails & Rails 4-H Club. Given post parade for best show of participation, creativity and effort put into entry.
The parade was beautiful on every level, but as always in post-review, there were a few areas that will be addressed before next year’s event. Parking inside the square left spectators with cramped viewing spaces and created tight spaces for the large floats to maneuver around. We are grateful for the assistance of Clay County Fire & Rescue in helping to keep our streets safe during this massive event.
In addition many thanks to our grand marshals, local veterans represented by Allison-Bristol Post 6812 and the George Lee American Legion Post 532. Thanks also to Clay County Sheriff’s Office for assistance at the staging area and beyond. The Hayesville Marching Band brought the parade in on a high note which spectators thoroughly enjoyed.
Perhaps most importantly, because of the hard work and creativity of our parade participants, every year on the second Saturday in December, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in Hayesville.