By By Janet Little Cooper
The sights and sounds of Christmas made their way into Atmore Saturday evening for the annual Twilight Christmas Parade.
The parade coordinated by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union was 'wildly successful' according to Chamber executive director Emilie Mims with more than 40 entries participating in the holiday event.
Doug Snider Roofing took home first place and the AHH award with its float depicting the movie "The Polar Express". Second place went to Atmore Community Hospital for their "Beauty and the Beast" float and the third place winner and winner of the "I award" was Just 4 Kids with a "Disney Princesses: A Christmas of Enchantment."
"The Chamber would like to thank all of the participants who made this our best parade to date," Mims said. "And also, a thank you to all of the citizens and visitors who lined the streets to watch what was truly a spectacular event. And a thank you to Shelly Williams who makes it all flow so smoothly. The economic impact of this event for our members is an added plus. Following the parade I had the opportunity to ride around town and local restaurants were bursting at the seams."
Mims also want to thank Johnson Ford, and driver David Jernigan, for the use of the red Mustang convertible that carried the 2006 Grand Marshall's, Chad and Sara Green of Young Life.
The parade was just the beginning of a busy month for the Chamber. Tomorrow night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Chamber will be hosting an Evening with Santa at Heritage Park.
"Join us at Atmore Heritage Park for an exciting evening with Santa," Mims said. "This event, sponsored by Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union will include free hot chocolate, train rides on the Williams Station Express and chili provided by the PCI Sail Program. Santa will arrive at 5p.m. on a fire truck and be available inside the Watson Cabin for children to tell him their Christmas wishes."
Captured Moments Photography will also be available for Christmas pictures with Santa. Two packages are available: 1- 5 X 7 and 4 wallets for $10 or 2-5 X 7's and 8 wallet size for $18.
Then on Friday, Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., the Chamber is hosting Christmas After Dark in Historic Downtown Atmore.
Many of the downtown merchants will be extending their hours for this evening with Santa, refreshments and music on Main, Nashville, Louisville, Trammell and Ridgeley Streets in the four block area of the downtown.
A drawing for one of 5/ $100 Atmore Gift Certificates, which will be given away as part of this promotion. Sponsors of this event include the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, United Bank, First National Bank and Trust, Regions Bank and Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union.
"Join us for an exciting evening in downtown Atmore which comes alive during Christmas with beautiful lighting and ribbons provided through the cooperative efforts of the downtown merchants, the City of Atmore and the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce," Mims said. "Many thanks to Earl Bryant of Tri Co Electric and Shannon Cooper of Shannon's the Florist for their contributions of time to this project."
On this evening local merchants will be competing for recognition as the best decorated window in the community as well. The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce will be judging this event.