BY MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

merlemonah@aol.com

IVOR—For the first time in its 100-year history, the Town of Ivor celebrated Christmas with a parade.

Despite cold temperatures with gusting winds, more than 50 units participated in the Dec. 5 event, which began at Pines of Ivor, went down Main Street, around the perimeter of the town and back to the Pines.

“It was so cold, some of the Wise Men on the floats had their crowns on over stocking caps,” one onlooker said.

“But wasn’t the parade awesome?” asked another. “It was such a wonderful way to start the holiday.”

This seemed to be the spirit of all who lined the streets along the route, as they waved and called out Christmas greetings. Many were dressed in Christmas attire.

U.S. Marine Lt. Stephen Glascock from Ivor served as grand marshal. The son of Michael and Ruth Glascock, he was wounded in Afghanistan in September and received the Purple Heart. He is now stationed in Jacksonville, N.C.

Transporting the grand marshal in his convertible was retired Marine Sgt. Paul “Gunny” Mason of Ivor.

Next were Mayor and Vice Mayor Keith Joyner and Frank Cook, respectively. They were followed by former mayor Massey Joyner.

Windsor and Southampton high school marching bands participated, and drivers in several convertibles participated with area royalty, including Southampton High School Homecoming King Billy Nixon and Queen Taylor Britt.

Fire departments from Ivor, Wakefield, Sedley, Carrsville, Denton, Courtland and Windsor accompanied Christmas floats, decorated four-wheelers, motorcycles, a pair of miniature horses, antique cars, decorated lawn tractors and golf carts. One of Ivory’s youngest residents was wheeled in her carriage by her mother, Krista Polanski.

Near the end, following a miniature train, Santa and Mrs. Claus rode by in Santa’s sleigh. These entries were from Zuni and are regular units of the Zuni Christmas Parade, which is organized by William ‘Butterbean’ Goodman.

“We’re very pleased that “Butterbean” and his assistants could make it,” said Councilwoman Sandra Vick, who organized the Ivor celebration. “It’s always good to have Santa make an appearance.”

Following the parade, the festivities continued at Ivor Municipal Building. More than 250 attended the program and dinner.

The Rhythm Sensation Loggers performed prior to a dinner of Brunswick stew, while George Atkins and Friends entertained with bluegrass music.

The evening concluded with the lighting of the Cody Stellar Memorial Christmas Tree by his parents, Kenneth and Tracey Stellar. This was followed by Christmas caroling.

Cody, an Ivor native, lost his life in an auto accident two years ago when he was 16. The tree, which stands in front of the municipal building, was donated anonymously in his name.