Christmas Fest draws big crowd

Followed by an escort with the Piggott Police Department, Santa Claus made his way through town during the Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Saturday night. The parade wrapped-up a full day of activities as the chamber hosted their annual Christmas Fest. (photo courtesy Frank Staples) [Click to enlarge]

Despite cooler-than-normal weather, the annual Piggott Chamber of Commerce Christmas Fest drew a large crowd Saturday. Over 30 vendors were on hand for the annual event and organizers report that hundreds of people were in attendance. Saturday night a good crowd braved even colder conditions to enjoy the annual Christmas Parade as it made its way through the streets of the city.

Under sunny skies Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce President Tim Blair welcomed those on hand Saturday as the festival officially kicked-off. Following the welcome, Clay County judge Gary Howell led a group of singers in traditional Christmas carols as the entertainment portion of the program got underway.

Throughout the remainder of the day drawings were held for dozens of gift items and certificates donated by local and regional businesses. Meanwhile, master of ceremonies Kevin Murray introduced the various performers and kept the crowd updated on the many drawings that were conducted and the goods and services offered by the various vendors. The giveaways included drawings for kids of various ages, and adults, each 30 minutes throughout the afternoon.

At the conclusion of the day drawings were also held for boys and girls bicycles donated by Piggott State Bank. Winners in the bike drawings were Bret Fair and Breanna Davis. Meanwhile, the winner of the $50 Wal Mart gift card was Virginia Caughron. The Chamber of Commerce also conducted a 50/50 drawing, and the winner was Judy Nettles.

Afterward, organizers also drew the name in the pencil-style Christmas tree raffle and that winner was Brenda Tippitt.

Winners from the annual parade were Hitts Chapel Church for best decorated float, Julie Howell for best ATV, Jim Bowman for best antique car, Delmar Causey for best antique tractor and Allen Morris for best motorcycle. The Piggott High School Art Class also won the award for best depiction of theme.

Meanwhile, the winners in the annual decorating contest sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce were also announced. First place went to Sugar Creek Kids, second was The Dragonfly Antiques and third place honors went to Piggott Florist.

"We'd like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who made this year's festival a reality," Blair said. "The chamber board and secretary Lynette Cale did an outstanding job and we were very pleased with the response from both the vendors and those who attended."

Blair also offered his thanks to the City of Piggott for their help in preparing for the event, with a special nod to the Parks and Recreation Department for providing transportation for Santa Claus during the annual parade.