BEDFORD – It was looking a lot like Christmas in downtown Bedford on Saturday, December 2.
The downtown area was bustling with holiday activities. The sights, sounds and scents of Christmas filled the air.
There was a long line of children waiting to share their Christmas lists with Santa.
Grace Overbay, 7, a student at Lincoln Elementary, loved the festivities. “Cotton candy is the best,’ she added taking a big bite. She, also dressed as a reindeer, enjoyed visiting with Candy Cane a five-year-old female reindeer from Reindeer Encounters at Whitetail Acres in Boonville, Indiana.
Hunter Wisley, 12, traveled from Bloomington to spend the weekend with his dad and enjoy the annual event. He is a student at Grandview Elementary. His favorite part of the festivities is seeing all the lighted floats.
The evening ended with more than 100 entries in the lighted Christmas parade. But before the parade stepped off, Bedford Mayor Sam Craig named December 2, 2023 Mike Branham Day.
Mike was named Grand Marshal of the parade for his outstanding volunteer service to the community. He rode in the parade with his wife Amber.
Kay Reeves has been attending the downtown events for as long as she can remember.
“I remember when the parade was held during the day time hours,” she added. “I just think its beautiful now with all the lighted floats. But the best part is watching the children and see the smiles and excitement on their faces when they see Santa and the other floats. Especially now in a world that is not always happy. All these kids and their excitement makes you just feel warm inside.”
Wyatt Wires, 11, a student at Lincoln Elementary, watched the parade with his mom Diana Wires.
“I really like the lighted vehicles,” he added. “That is really cool. especially the fire and police…it’s just really cool.”
Winning entries in this year parade are:
Non-Commercial Entry
- Award of Excellence – Redneck Catfish Fever
- Most Festive – North Lawrence Career Center
Commercial Entry
- Award of Excellence – Air Master Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric
- Most Festive – Animal Hospital of Bedford
Equestrian Award of Excellence
- Painting a Sunny New Legacy
Antique Vehicle Award of Excellence
- Gabhart for Commissioner
Best Vehicle Award of Excellence
- Dirt Road Riders
Musical Award of Excellence
- Bloomington Brass Band
Fire Truck Award of Excellence
- Pleasant Run Volunteer Fire Department
Church Best Christmas Spirit
- Momentum Community Church
Tractor Award of Excellence
- Christmas at Lambrecht Farm
Best Overall Parade Entry
- Innovative Landscaping LLC
Best Lighted Entry
- Bedford Indiana Jeepers
