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Published: December 09, 2009
By Melody Kinser
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Mother Nature cooperated, a new Santa Claus debuted and crowds filled the streets in the village of Mechanicsville on Sunday for the annual Christmas Parade.

A joint venture of the Mechanicsville Rotary Club and Mechanicsville Ruritan Club, the parade is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.

In keeping with tradition, the 2009 edition delivered and spectators of all ages were entertained by 120 entries.

Bobby Mawyer made his first official appearance in the parade as Santa, replacing longtime “jolly old elf” John Clodfelter.

About two hours before the parade started, Harold Padgett of the Rotary Club said he was pleased — and relieved — with the weather. With rainy, snowy conditions on Saturday, concerns arose about what impact weather could have on the parade.

Organizer Ronnie Planz agreed about the weather and also pointed out the “good turnout.”

Rotarian Kevin Smyth didn’t let a broken leg keep him from selling hot dogs and barbecues along the parade route. Rotary and Ruritan members were raising money for the Christmas Mother program.

Chairs, blankets and tailgates were common sights along the route — hours before the 3 p.m. kickoff.

Children were eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival and appeared unfazed by the crisp, autumn day. Blue skies and sunshine prevailed, with temperatures hovering in the low 40s.

Christmas carols filled the air in the vicinity of the judging area, as buses brought in high school bands and floats made their way to their designated lineup locations.

Making his 20th appearance as emcee of the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade was Jack Ward, who recalled the first year when participants included Santa Claus, a fire truck and him.

“This is truly a community event,” Ward told the crowd. He also acknowledged the amount of work that goes into organizing, planning and staging the event.

With Lt. Col. David Hines of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in the lead position, veterans followed. Hines was representing Col. V. Stuart Cook.

Ward reminded the gathering to “keep in our memory those that are serving overseas” as the veterans made their way along the parade route.

Outgoing Del. Frank D. Hargrove Sr., R-55, served as the grand marshal.

Other officials taking part were Del. Chris Peace, R-97; newly-elected Del. John Cox, R-55; and Deborah B. Coats, G. Ed Via III and Elton J. Wade Sr. of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors.

From the Chick-Fil-A cows to Ronald McDonald, the parade was filled with enthusiastic participants, including beauty queens, antique vehicles, JROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Relay for Life, and bagpipes.

Capturing honors for their entries in the parade were:

• Village Bank — Best in Keeping with the Theme (Ol’ Time Christmas)
• Best Appearance — Atlee Community Church/Kid Stuf Dance Ministry.
• Best Equestrian Unit — United States Equine Rescue League.
• Best Marching Unit Non-Band — Shuffles Dance Center.
• Best Motorized Unit/Large Non-Commercial — Sea Scout Ship 530.
• Best Motorized Unit/Small Non-Commercial — Munster Koach.
• Best Musical Unit (Non-Band) — Capt. William Latane Camp/Sons of Confederacy Veterans.
• Best Vintage Vehicle(s) (pre-1984) — VFW Post 9808.
• Best Motorized Unit/Large Commercial — Woodfin.
• Best Motorized Unit/Small Commercial — Carolyn’s Fountain.
• Most Original Unit — Aerial East Gymnastics.
• Judges’ Pick — Carrington & Finch All Things Photography.

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