Chocowinity rings in the Christmas season: Saturday’s parade draws record number of entries

Published 6:49 pm Saturday, November 22, 2014

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS FROZEN: Katie Godwin and son Branson appear on a "Frozen" themed float sponsored by Godwin Signs during Chocowinity's parade, The entry won a second place ribbon.

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS
FROZEN: Katie Godwin and son Branson appear on a “Frozen” themed float sponsored by Godwin Signs during Chocowinity’s parade, The entry won a second place ribbon.

CHOCOWINITY — More than 80 entries made Saturday’s parade in Chocowinity the town’s biggest since the tradition began almost a decade ago.

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS SCHOOL SPIRIT: Student athletes from Southside High School greet fans during the parade.

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS
SCHOOL SPIRIT: Student athletes from Southside High School greet fans during the parade.

The parade marks the beginning of the Christmas season as well as serves as the kick-off for a series of holiday events planned throughout Beaufort County.

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS MAKING MUSIC: Trey Branch (foreground) and other members of the Chocowinity Middle School marching band warm up for the Christmas parade.

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS
MAKING MUSIC: Trey Branch (foreground) and other members of the Chocowinity Middle School marching band warm up for the Christmas parade.

Chocowinity’s parade drew entries from local churches, businesses and civic groups. The area’s students were out in force with representatives from Chocowinity Primary School, Chocowinity Middle School, Southside High School and United Christian Academy joining the line-up.

Chosen as this year’s grand marshal was Arlene Jones, a founder of the parade and member of its planning committee. Her fellow volunteers decided to override her objections and bestow the honor upon her this year.

“We were in a meeting and I was doing something else, talking to someone else, and they popped up with it,” Jones said. “I’m honored that they chose me to do this, but I’m sure there are many, many other people out there who deserved it much more than I did.”

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS SCOUTING: Cub Scouts, leaders and parents from Pack 99 make their way along N.C. Highway 33 during Saturday's parade.

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS
SCOUTING: Cub Scouts, leaders and parents from Pack 99 make their way along N.C. Highway 33 during Saturday’s parade.

Judges chose three top entries for special recognition this year. Ribbons were presented to The Rich Company, first place; Godwin Signs, second place; and a 1930 Model A Ford roadster owned by Preston Turner, third place.

The parade is organized and presented by the Town of Chocowinity.