Perry Hosts Christmas Parade
Sponsored by Houston Springs

By Mike George, HHJ Staff Writer

Houston Springs residents decorate their golf carts and join the parade!

PERRY – Despite overcast skies, crowds gathered in downtown Perry for Saturday’s “Christmas at the Crossroads” parade. Some 72 different businesses, clubs and other organizations marched, drove, or rode in Saturday’s parade, starting out on Kellwood Drive, continuing along Courtney Hodges Boulevard and Carroll Street before ending on Macon Road.

This year’s parade was sponsored by Houston Springs, a resort community on the outskirts of Perry, and organized by Melanie Lewis, the development’s director of marketing. Several area schools marched or rode in Saturday’s parade. Both Perry and Houston County High Schools sent their marching bands; Perry and Bonaire Middle Schools sent their cheerleaders; and Bonaire Middle and Morningside Elementary sent their choruses. Even the Houston County High School Steppers, a dance team, entertained the crowds with their complex routines.

“We had a great variety of entries and a good crowd turned out to watch the parade and support Perry,” Lewis said.

Perry Mayor Jim Worrall served as grand marshal for Saturday’s parade, riding with his wife, Fran.

Floats in the parade were judged by Houston Springs, and the winners ranked included:

• 3rd Place – Perry Middle School Cheerleaders
• 2nd Place – Bonaire Middle School Cheerleaders
• 1st Place – First Baptist Church of Kathleen, which featured a group of children who acted out the nativity.

Last updated 2/9/2006