By Susan Macdonald
Saturday was St. Nicholas’ Day, and in Millington, it was the day of the annual Christmas parade. There were fire trucks, antique cars, horses, dancers, dogs, musicians, and instead of a red sleigh, Santa Claus came in a blue trolley. More than three dozen schools, churches, businesses, and other organizations participated in the parade. Millington Mayor Terry Jones was the announcer, as well as one of the judges of the parade. The other judges were Velda Dedeaux, Betty Clark, and Everett Clark. Chief of Police Frank Tennant led the parade, followed by Fire Truck No. 334 and the Millington Central High School NJROTC Color Guard. After the cadets marched the MCHS Marching Band, playing “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Next came The Family Gathering, whose float took the theme “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.” They were followed by the U.S. Navy Submarine Veterans, and then Henry McCurdy in an antique car. The next float was by Mito What, with the theme “All I Want for Christmas is a Cure.” Students from Millington Elementary School sang “Jingle Bells” as they marched. Next came the Rick and Ann Mills Family, with his and hers cars, followed by American Legion Post 252 and the Millington Senior Citizens Club. Millington UMC had a float, with their Boy Scout troop accompanying them. Next was Tommy Warren with an antique Chevrolet. Then came the Fil-Am Association of Millington, followed by the Mustangs of El Toro Cruise and the Corvettes of Real Deal Vettes of Memphis. The next two floats were by Tabernacle Baptist Church and Studio 75 Hair Academy. After a truck from Millington Transmission, Tire, and Brake came Temple UMC and their Boy Scout Troop. The next float was labelled Santa’s Helpers. They were followed by Playhouse 51, which is currently performing “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The Knights of Columbus came next, some marching in their regalia, others riding a float. The crowd was delighted by Danza Guadolupana de la Ascension, who danced their way down Navy Road, and by the costumes of Los Chinelos. The next float was from Lighthouse Christian Academy, with the theme “The Best Gift is Jesus.” Next came Millington Animal Safe Haven, with some dogs in their truck, followed by Swain’s ATVs. The next float was from Richland ARP Church of Rosemark, followed by the Millington Crisis Center. The Millington Crisis Center collected toys for needy children in the area. Then came the horses: the Tipton County 4H, the Lazy Anchor Ranch, the Woodstock Cuba Saddle Club, and K & P Stables. Last, but far from least, was a blue trolley, with Santa and Mrs. Claus. After the lighting of the town tree, Mayor Jones announced the award winners. The Holly Award for the most festive equestrian group went to the Woodstock Cuba Saddle Club, the Jolly Award for the most spirited marching group went to The Family Gathering, the Mistletoe Award for the finest float went to the Fil-Am Association, the Sugarplum Award for the merriest school group went to Lighthouse Christian Academy, and the Joyous Award for the best marching band went to MCHS.
After Millington’s Annual Christmas Parade, Mayor Terry Jones lit the town tree in front of the fire station on Navy Road. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and assorted elves, witnessed the lighting.
