An Old Fashion Christmas

                                                                           

Hot Springs never seems to disappoint during the Christmas season. Everyone around seems pumped and ready to be out of school and work for their long holiday break. Each year down town, a Christmas Parade is held around the beginning of December filling the streets with joy.

          The Christmas parade had various decorated floats, some with Christmas trees, and snow machines spilling fake snow out onto the crowd. Others played Christmas tunes like, “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree” and “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”. Some people sang popular Christmas songs on their floats themselves. The parade featured the Lake Hamilton High School, Hot Springs High School, and Lakeside High school bands playing tunes all the people danced to and enjoyed. Many of the band students decorated their instruments with wrapping paper, Christmas lights, and also wore Santa hats. One float carried a band, made up of a singer keyboard player, and guitarist playing Christmas music. It was covered in snow and Christmas trees lit up the entire float. A ship covered in white Christmas lights filled with people drifted down the street at the parade. Garland County Library boogied down the street with book carts, while Dream Chaser belly dancers whirled past the crowd. Also included in Hot Springs Christmas Parade were Dance City USA, West Shores Retirement Community, Hot Springs Rotary Club, and Mrs. Arkansas. Each float had creativity and was very original.

          The entire Christmas Parade was fantastic and was organized extremely well. Parade Organizers announced the awards for Hot Springs Christmas Parade on Tuesday December 7^th at Arlington Hotel and Spa. National Park Community College won best all around float for the parade, while Dr. Harold Koppel and Dr. Adam Hall placed 2^nd. Dentist Eskew and the Christmas Train won most creative award, with children riding in the Christmas decorated train seats. Dream Chaser Belly Dancers received best Choreography Award. The Ray Lynn Theatre won best special effects, and also, the Byron Cole Rhodes Family Foundation Award. Destinations Day Spa and Hot Springs Laser Institute received best use of theme award.

Hot Springs 2010 Christmas Parade was longer, and even better than the year before. Each float had people cheering and ready for the Holiday Season. People were dancing, laughing, and celebrating while all the children were excited to see Santa Clause at the end of the parade calling out “Merry Christmas!”  The Christmas Parade was a major success and everyone’s Christmas Spirit up.

-Ashley Hill