Delay doesn't hinder parade

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A 25-hour delay didn’t appear to diminish enthusiasm for the Scott County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade.

Thousands turned out for the 61st annual parade, which rolled out of HBD Industries at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, some 25 hours later than scheduled.

Scott County’s first accumulating snow of the season forced the postponement, after some two inches of snow Saturday morning created hazardous driving conditions on some side streets and back roads.

The snow remaining on the ground Sunday afternoon combined with cold temperatures to add to the holiday mood as the parade made its way along Industrial Lane and Alberta Street.

In addition to floats, the parade featured everything from fire engines and pageant winners to Oneida High School’s Pride of the Tribe Marching Band and cheerleaders from area middle and high schools, and, as usual, Santa Claus—who bore a suspicious resemblance to Oneida businessman Jim Swann from his seat atop Oneida Fire Department’s Ladder #1 at the rear of the parade.

Shutterbug Photography’s float was the big winner among entries, earning the Judge’s Choice ribbon.

Among traditional floats, Tim and Zena Owens took first place, while First Trust & Savings Bank took second and “Country Christmas,” by the Rainbow Girls #53, took third place.

Among religious floats, Capital Hill Missionary Baptist was first place, while Pine Grove Baptist won second place.

Tennessee Technology Center was first in the specialty category, while S.T.A.N.D. took second place.