GENTRY — Once again Gentry’s Main Street was packed with spectators as the band, floats, cars, trucks, ATVs and horses paraded down the street in the Gentry Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.
This year’s theme was "A Stars and Stripes Christmas,” so entries included numerous patriotic themes together with the traditional Christmas story.
The parade’s grand marshal was U.S. Marine Sergeant Olsteen of Rogers. He was chauffeured by Mike Parks of Gentry in an open 1950 red Jeep decorated with flags.
In chamber awards this year, Best Lights went to Tired Iron of the Ozarks - a giant tricycle with Santa seated on top. The Best Theme went to the Outdoor Adventures 4-H Club. The Best Sound was awarded to the Gentry High School Marching Band. Best Overall-Grand (a combination of lights, theme and sound) went to the White Mouse Puppets Ministries.
In describing this year’s event, Gentry Chamber of Commerce director said, “Wasn't that parade wonderful? We are so blessed to have so many wonderful volunteers and community leaders that give so much of their time and money to make special things happen in Gentry!”
Earlier in the afternoon, the lobby in the Chamber office was packed with parents and their children as each child took a turn visiting with Santa Claus and received all kinds of goodies, including Christmas books and candy, coloring books and crayons, stickers, stuffed animals and coupons from Gentry merchants.
Community, Pages 16 on 12/14/2011