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PACE 12A THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2008 SANTA WAVES TO CROWD © 1 f ■ — — i r-m ^ — Santa waves to the crowd at the finale of the Banks County Christmas parade Saturday afternoon. Photo by Angela Gary HORSES IN PARADE Aimee Glaze (left) and Kim McCarty (right) are among those who rode horses in the Banks County Christmas parade Saturday. Photo by Angela Gary FAMILY IN PARADE Tim McCoy and his grand son, Bryson, are shown on a 71-year-old John Deere tractor Saturday in the Christmas parade in Banks County. Photo by Angela Gary HOLIDAY BAZAAR Holiday gifts were offered at the first-ever Banks County Christmas Ba zaar last week end in Homer. Arts and crafts were offered inside the his toric courthouse and in outside booths. Photo by Tara Fulcher IN CHRISTMAS PARADE Youngsters and adults alike got into the holiday spirit Saturday at the Christ mas parade in Homer. This float was sponsored by Region’s Bank. Photo by Tara Fulcher Chamber holds Christmas Bazaar, parade festivities MAXWELLS PERFORM Tracy and Brittany Maxwell performed at the first- ever Banks County Christmas Bazaar Saturday in Homer. The Banks County Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event. Photo by Tara Fulcher The Banks County Chamber of Commerce held its first-ever Christmas Bazaar on Decem ber 5-6 in downtown Homer. Hundreds of people attended the parade and visited the craft booths. Craft vendors lined the halls of the historic courthouse and outside selling their wares and barbecue. “We had over 300 visitors at the bazaar and parade, and we had people lining the streets for the parade as I had hoped,” said chamber director Tara Fulcher. There were 26 entries in the parade, which included lo cal business vehicles, antique trucks, cars, tractors, motor cycles, horses, and floats. The best float prize of $25 went to Redemption Outreach Minis tries. Incoming board of commis sion chairman Milton Dalton headed up the parade with Sheriff Charles Chapman do ing the driving. Banks County's incoming State Representative, Mike Harden, was second in line waving to everyone, and then came the fire/EMS depart ment. Blaine Jones of Region’s Banks served as the announc er for the parade with Jerry Fulcher serving as the parade organizer. Other parade participants were: Miss Winter Wonderland Beauty Pageant Winners, Ans- ley Communications, Docu ment Destruction, Massey State Farm Insurance, Bowden Auto Repair, and Tropical Tan. Floats were: Mt Carmel Baptist Church, Redemption Outreach Ministries, Regions Bank, Homer Baptist Church and First Georgia Bank. Troy Jones, Tim McCoy and Mac Garrison all drove their antique vehicles, while Mackey and Kathy Etris rode their motor cycles. Banks Crossing Saddle Club riders had their horses decorated for Christmas and, to end the parade, Santa Claus made his appearance with the help of chamber vice chairman Jonathan Bennett. Participants were asked to bring one can of food per per son in their vehicle to be do nated to Generous Hearts and four large boxes of food and clothing were collected. The entertainment included Christmas carols and Christian music from the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Choir, Fred die Smith and the well-known Maxwell Family. “We had volunteers give many hours in service to the chamber and the community ensuring a successful event,” said Fulcher. “They include Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bellamy, Lisa McClure, Sallie Hensley and Rhonda Porter, who met for planning meetings and volunteered throughout the festival. Kudos goes out to all volunteers for their exceptional professionalism and assistance. Special congratulations go to Redemption Outreach Minis tries for their winning float in this year's parade as well as congratulations to the Banks County CVB for winning the tree decorating contest.” “As always, we could not have done it without the pa trons walking through the door shopping for early Christmas presents. And finally, plan now to come next year. We hope to see each of you at the bazaar and in the parade next year.” rnr.Transmission The Professionals A irk iTrunumiiutfon USAs Csr.tsis Independently Owned & Operated $500 FREE GAS CARD Call for details. 1733 Lexington Rd. • Athens, GA 30605 (706) 543-8600 • (706) 543-8613 Fax www.BanksNewsTODAY.com log on for local news updates a ROOF DOCTOR Roofing & Repair 99 - Metal - Shingles - Flat Roofs - Flashing - Maintenance - Inspections HOMER CARVER 4 OFFICE 706-677-1986 CELL 678-617-4503 FAX 706-677-1369 AMERICAN! 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