(BEDFORD) – Bedford’s “Christmas Around The Square” brought holiday cheer for local residents.
The business owners along the square decorated their windows and added lights and displays to brighten the moods of busy holiday shoppers.
There were many activities that brought several hundred people to the downtown area including the Open Air Market, Shoppers Delight and Windows of Wonder Downtown, the Live Reindeer exhibit as well as free barrel train rides and photos with Santa at the Downtown Depot.
Atchinson Eye Care won the window decorating contest.
This year’s Grand Marshal for the Bedford Parade was outgoing Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis. President of the Bedford City Council Bryon Buker proclaimed December 7, 2019, as “Mayor Shawna Girgis Day.”
Buker noted Mayor Girgis’ many accomplishments including the new look of downtown Bedford, which includes several improvements. Buker went on to note that the city faced difficult times when she first became mayor and they did not have to lay off a single city employee.
Girgis has served three terms for a total of 12 years. At the present time she says she has no immediate future plans.
The highlight of the evening was the Christmas Parade which brought festive music performed by the Bedford North Lawrence Marching Band, lighted vehicles, and lots of candy for children to devour.
The crowd commented on how nice this year’s parade was. The Millers and Bonifers came from Ireland, Indiana to watch the parade.
Here are the winners of the Christmas Parade:
Commercial Floats:
- Award of Excellence – Primitive Porch
- Most Festive – Bender Lumber
Non-Commercial Floats:
- Award of Excellence – Bedford North Lawrence High School Future Farmers of America
- Most Festive – White River Humane Society
Antique Cars
- Reggie and Rebecca Nikirk
Antiques Trucks
- Lee’s 56
Tractors
- Ruler Foods
Best Vehicle
- Revestco
Equestrian
- Painting A Sunny New Legacy
Marching Bands
- Marching Bands – Bedford-North Lawrence High School
Fire Trucks
- Huron Volunteer Fire Department
Overall Best Lighted
- B-Town Vdub Club
Overall Best Christmas Spirit
- Debra Corn Foster Care
Overall Best Parade Entry
- Bender Lumber
