THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 13, 1995 TAG: 9512120091
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Linda McNatt
LENGTH: Medium: 91 lines
Ahhh, it's a perfect way to start the holiday season.
The weather's cold. It rained all night, but the weatherman smiled on the Real Smithfield Jaycees, and the rain has stopped. And it looks like everybody in Isle of Wight County has turned out for the parade.
Good morning, Jim Groves. Is the parade about to start? My, you certainly do look like you're in the holiday spirit. Bright red sweater, green and red scarf, Santa hat.
Ho, ho, ho.
And here they come. A big cheer for the eighth annual Real Smithfield Jaycees' Christmas Parade.
Here comes the grand marshal, Sheriff Charlie Phelps. Those are some fancy wheels you're riding in, Charlie. For those of you who don't know, it's a 1930 Packard, once owned by Jean Harlow. A beautiful car, courtesy of its current owner, Johnny Knox.
Oh, Charlie's coming up to join the judges on the reviewing stand. Sit here next to me, Charlie. Maybe you'll block some of this nippy wind.
The Jaycees this year are dedicating the Christmas parade to all of our loved ones who are no longer with us this holiday season, and especially to Bill Ramsey. A Jaycee who always took a special part in the Christmas parade, Bill died this year. But he is remembered.
And here comes Carrollton Elementary School. Will you look at that?! Principal Lloyd Martin is right out there marching with the kids, as cold as it is.
Jingle bells, jingle bells . . .
Miss Isle of Wight Academy. Everybody wave to Abbey Delk.
And will you look at this. It's the Isle of Wight Humane Society. Look at the dog dressed like an angel. Hold on to your halo, boy.
Here's the Hardy Elementary pre-school band, led by director Andy Pencola. The bands and the music do make a Christmas parade, don't they?
Now we have Patty Stephenson, president of the Real Smithfield Jaycees, and with her is Tracy Hale, administrative vice president of the Virginia Jaycees. Look at this: Patty's husband, Tim, a state director of the Jaycees - and he's wearing a suit! Will you look at that tie?! A little bright, isn't it, Tim, even for Christmas ornaments? Your friend there looks like she's freezing. Hold on up there on the back of that truck.
Ah, the South of Broadway Dancing Girls. Don't they look great? And they're stopping right here in front of the judges to strut their stuff.
Another band. The Smithfield High School Marching Band, with the majorettes leading the way. And here comes another Smithfield High group, the Spanish Club, singing ``Frosty the Snowman'' in Spanish. About all I caught there was his sombrero.
And now here come the Southside Ballet students, dressed in the Santa look-alike costumes. Are your legs cold, girls? Jennifer Sauls, who may some day be Smithfield's most famous dancer, has come home from school to join the parade. You look beautiful, Jennifer. You all look beautiful.
Now, here we have a group from the Peninsula, the Davis Middle School Drill Team. It sure was nice of you all to come over here to join us. Several units backed out at the last minute, I understand, because of the weather. What a sharp-looking group they are, with their red and black outfits. Way to go, drill team!
And now we have the European Dance Studio. Look at that. Isn't that beautiful? With the littlest angel bringing up the rear. It's OK, sweetheart, just keep going, and it will all be over. You'll get warm again.
Wait a minute. Who is this I see coming up Main Street? Why, it's the jolly old elf himself. Santa Claus! And Mrs. Claus! Imagine that. How's it going, Santa? So glad you found time to be in our parade.
All right, judges. Is it time to announce the winners? It is.
Bands: First place, Smithfield High; second, Smithfield Middle School; third, the little ones from Hardy Elementary.
The marching units: First place, our friends from the Peninsula, the Davis Middle School Drill Team; second, the European Dance Studio; third, Southside Ballet.
And floats: First, Carrollton Elementary; second, Moonlight Ruritan Club; third, Frosty paid off for the Smithfield High Spanish Club.
Oh, how nice. For the judges? John and Ann Edwards and I get a nice lunch or dinner at Cowling's Restaurant. Thank you, Jaycees. Thank you so much. Those folks at Cowling's are so nice. They are always right in there when it comes to supporting this community. What a nice touch.
The Real Smithfield Jaycees have done it again. They've brought the holiday spirit to the county.
And this year, they did it without that darned pig.
This is Linda McNatt, who likes to play Willard Scott, saying: ``Everybody have a happy holiday!'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Members of the European Dance Studio make their way through
Smithfield Saturday morning during the Christmas parade.
by CNB