By Kathy Chaffin
kchaffin@salisburypost.com
CLEVELAND ó The cold, steady drizzle lowered attendance at the 38th annual Christmas Parade Sa1turday, but the enthusiasm by those who did turn out was high.
Liz Steele, who chairs the Parade Committee for the Cleveland Lions Club, said she overheard one little boy asking his grandfather to turn his umbrella upside down for him to use as a candy catcher. Like any good grandfather, the man obliged.
Even with the inclement weather, Steele said, more than 1,500 people turned out for the parade. However, only a little more than half of the 65 entries signed up to participate were willing to venture out in the rain.
Entry winners by category were as follows:
Queen ó Olivia McSwaim, Ms. Teen North Carolina;
Commercial ó Highway 801 Towing;
Horse ó “Birdie,” Tennessee Walking Horse ridden by Russell Alred;
Humorous ó “Santa Bost and His Helpers;”
Regular ó West Rowan Middle School Pep Band led by Vickie Williams;
Antique ó 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee by John Jancic;
Religious ó Ostwalt Baptist Church’s “Jonah and the Whale.”
Steele said the Jonah and the Whale float was a big hit with the spectators. “They had people sitting inside the whale,” she said.
The West Rowan Band and JROTC were also popular. “There was an issue with them not being able to show up,” Steele said, “but they did.”
Entry judges were Ellen Cooper of Graham, Crystal Allen of Mooresville and Dr. John I. Steele, who was recently elected mayor of Cleveland, having served previously on the Town Board of Commissioners.
Parade announcer, also known as “The Voice of the Parade,” was Terry Moore of the Cleveland Lions Club.
Steele said, “I would like to thank all of the entries and spectators for another wonderful parade and for supporting the Cleveland Lions Club.”
Contact Kathy Chaffin at 704-797-4249.