A holiday treat

The clock had barely struck one when the crowd of anxious parade watchers waiting in downtown Mayodan heard the first notes sounded by the McMichael High School marching band. A few moments later they saw the blue lights of a Mayodan Police car leading the 2009 Madison-Mayodan Jaycees Christmas Parade over the hill on Main Street toward the intersection with Second Avenue.

“We really try hard every year to start right on time,” said M-M Jaycees spokesperson Debbie de la Cruz.

In fact, a few entries registered for the parade also participated in Saturday’s Wentworth parade. When that parade ran late, they called the M-M Jaycees to see if they would delay the start to allow them time to get to Mayodan.

“Obviously, we couldn’t do that,” said de la Cruz. “Everyone is expecting us to get going right on time.”

The McMichael Air Force Junior ROTC cadets marched close behind the lead car. By the time those cadets crossed over into the town limits of Madison, about half the remaining entries still awaited their start around Jake Atkinson Ballpark.

“We had a good number of entries this year,” said de la Cruz. “It may have been a little down from some years, but we still had plenty of good participation from the community.”

The 2009 state champion baseball team from McMichael High School rode in a place of honor just behind the cadets and marching band as this year’s grand marshals.

“We just wanted to show how much we appreciate the hard work that went into that accomplishment,” de la Cruz said. “They certainly deserve the honor for the recognition they brought to the school and our community.”

In addition to the many homemade floats from local businesses, dance studios, churches and civic organizations, there was one professional float that everyone was anxious to see. Once again, the Unifi float brought Santa and Mrs. Claus for their annual visit to Madison and Mayodan. From his sled at the rear of the float, the jolly couple waved to the young and young at heart. Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch and a host of their special friends waved and tossed candy to waiting hands from the front of the parade’s last float.

By the time the horses and riders at the rear of the parade made the first turn from Main Street onto Second Avenue in Mayodan, the McMichael Color Guard was finally nearing the end of its route at the town clock in Madison.

“It’s always a challenge to put together something this big, but it’s always worth the effort to see all the joy it brings others,” said de la Cruz.