Italy Christmas Festival and Parade a Success

Karen Mathiowetz Posted December 19, 2014 3:30pm Local news

Image: The Italy Police Department, with police chief Shawn Martin at the wheel, lead the annual Christmas parade thru downtown with members of the National Guard close behind. — The Italy Police Department, with police chief Shawn Martin at the wheel, lead the annual Christmas parade thru downtown with members of the National Guard close behind. (Jeremiah Glover)

Downtown Italy came alive on Saturday, December 6, for the annual Christmas Parade and Festival. There was something for everyone this year.

The parade kicked off at noon lead by Italy P.D. The National Guard presented the colors and Grand Marshall, Altha McNeely waved to everyone on the parade route. The parade also included several Italy High School groups including cheerleaders, softball and baseball players and the Gladiator Regiment Band. Pct. 3 Commissioner Paul Perry and Ellis County Sheriff Johnny Brown were here. Tae Kwon Do, Monolithic, Pizza Inn and the Boy Scouts were represented also. Jeanette Janek rode with her elves. The Central Baptist Royal Ambassadors also participated.

One of the highlights of the parade was Santa and Mrs. Claus riding on the back of the firetruck.

There were tamales and barbecue for sale along with crafts, baked goods and gifts. Children took pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus There was music and entertainment at the Cargill-Gallman Pavilion.

Everyone had a wonderful time this year.

Driver Brian Mathiowetz escorts Italy’s 2014 Christmas Parade Grand Marshall Altha McNeely along the parade route. (Jeremiah Glover)

Hunter Ballard and his fellow Boy Scouts join in on the Christmas parade fun in downtown Italy. (Jeremiah Glover)

Drum major Vanessa Cantu sets the pace while walking backwards for the Gladiator Regiment Marching Band. (Jeremiah Glover)

The Royal Ambassadors from the Central Baptist Church in Italy enjoy a mobile campout during the parade with group leaders Clay Sparks and Murrie Wainscott relaxing in the moment. (Jeremiah Glover)

Here come the Italy Baseball players who are ready to apply their snow sliding skills for sliding into home. (Jeremiah Glover)

Pizza Inn’s original pizza-tossing, moustache-wearing mascot, JoJo, invite parade goers “inn” for some fresh-baked pizza on the buffet. Pizza Inn of Italy also offers delivery and carryout. Skateboarders hungry for pizza are not far behind. (Jeremiah Glover)

Skaters With Attitude (S.W.A.) members Pablo, Brandon, Damon and Parker use their four-wheeled sleighs to maneuver down the Christmas parade route.

Representing Monolithic Constructors, Inc. of Italy are Mike South and his wife Tessa South. Tessa is also a current Italy ISD School Board member. (Jeremiah Glover)

Italy Lady Gladiator softball pitcher Jaclynn Lewis(15) and senior teammate Bailey Eubank(1) are among the most feared candy tossers along the parade route. (Jeremiah Glover)

A cleverly crafted snowman-mobile with a road cone for a nose. (Jeremiah Glover)

Lead elf Mrs. Jeanette Janek and her team of elves (Stafford Elementary Student Council) deliver candy to parade watchers via Santa’s sleigh. (Jeremiah Glover)

More elves are ready to help Santa during the parade as it passes thru downtown Italy. (Jeremiah Glover)

Hillsboro Unified Tae Kwon Do students focus on delivering candy to parade watchers in downtown Italy. (Jeremiah Glover)

The Italy Fire Department rolls thru for the holidays. If Santa has any problems Christmas Eve, the I.F.D. will get the famous gift giver up and going again. (Jeremiah Glover)

Curtis Riddle, aka Santa’s Little Helper, uses a tractor to pull around a trailer full of Italy Cheerleaders. (Jeremiah Glover)

A better view of Italy’s cheerleaders as they toss candy to the parade route crowds. (Jeremiah Glover)

It’s Santa and Mrs. Claus!!! Santa was portrayed by Charles Compton and Mrs. Claus was played by Karen Mathiowetz while being escorted by an Italy Fire Department fire fighting sleigh with really loud bells. (Jeremiah Glover)

Italy High School cheerleader Halee Turner passes out candy using a santa boot as cowboys and horses wrap up the parade. (Jeremiah Glover)

Assistant band director of Italy High School David Graves and Gladiator Regiment Band members Chris Davilla, Madison Washington and Amber Hooker play Christmas music under the downtown pavilion. Notice the amazing holiday painting in the background. Created by the IHS art students and teacher Jeremiah Glover, the painting truly captures the spirit of Christmas in our little town. (Jeremiah Glover)

Madison Washington and Amber Hooker trumpet in the holiday season. (Jeremiah Glover)

Italy’s Mayor James Hobbs presents parade grand marshall Altha McNeely the key to the city after reading a proclamation stating that December 12 was officially Altha McNeely day. City of Italy representatives Terry Murdock and Ronda Cockerham were part of the presentation as well as Altha’s driver, Brian Mathiowetz. (Jeremiah Glover)

Several Italy Opry musicians bring some holiday cheer to downtown Italy. (Jeremiah Glover)

This song is for you, Santa! (Jeremiah Glover)