By Tammy Moore Teague
City, Community and School, it’s Mansfield Mayor Mike Gipson’s motto. On Saturday, December 1, there was a great coming together of all three with the town’s annual Christmas parade. This year’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Home.”
That hometown spirit filled the air as friends and neighbors reunited in downtown Mansfield. It was a heartwarming scene, folks hugging, the sound of laughter and the feeling of love. It’s a reminder of what this time of year is about.
“It was a great day,” said Gipson. “I love our town and I love parade day.” City employees, and volunteers worked hard to ensure that the day was a success. Area merchants and churches also contributed to the event.
Serving as this year’s grand marshals were Francie and Alex Cunningham. Husband and father, Jim Cunningham, passed away earlier this year. He was a mainstay of the town’s parade and it was an honor to have his family there in his memory. His wife said, “we knew Jim was well loved in our community, but it really did our hearts good to have him honored in this way.”
The days festivities began at 11 a.m. with beans and cornbread. Things wrapped up following the 2 p.m. parade with a turkey and ham give away and a visit from Santa Claus.
The awards for floats were:
Float division-
First place: Boy and Girl Scouts
Second place: Bost
Third place: Methodist Church
Non-float division-
First place: Donald Williams
Second place: Charlie Cross
Third place: Tractor Club
