Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Circle was filled with holiday spirit at the City of Barnwell’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting.
This year, the Christmas tree has been donated by Emmet and Caitlin Black in honor of their two sons, Leo Adrian Black and Jayden Colt Black. The lights for the tree were lit by the oldest brother, Leo.
Before the tree illuminated downtown, parade winners were announced. Judges Jonathon Donaldson, Joe Owens, and Tony Carson had quite the selection to choose from as over 20 floats, golf carts, cars, and even two monster trucks made their way through the Circle.
In the front of the parade was community member Doreatha G. Bishop, who was celebrating her 108th birthday.
Winning the award for the most Fabulous Float was Quality Septic, as owner Randy Reece depicted a bath-robed scene from the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
The Barnwell High School JROTC took home the win for being the parade’s Wonderful Walkers.
The title of Coolest Car was awarded to Joseph Wenzel, Grand Golf Cart was awarded to Barnwell Baton & Dance, and Marvelous Motorcycle was awarded to Hope Community Church.
The award for Whoppin Wheelers & other Unique Vehicles was won by Twitty’s Mud Bog, who brought one of their signature monster trucks.
Pickens Williams Sr. was named Citizen of the Year for his continued dedication to the community and Creech Automotive was named Business of the Year. Both were awarded a symbolic key to the city and a plaque.
After the parade, the songs, and the speeches, excited children and their spectating parents gathered to revel in a once-a-year occasion – snowfall.
Children laughed and danced together as fake snow fell from the night sky lit only by lights on the Christmas tree. Although this was the end of the events for Barnwell’s 2022 Christmas festivities, the memory of those falling fake snowflakes will last a lifetime.
