HAMLET — For the third consecutive year, Richmond County Hospice was named the No. 1 float in the Seaboard City’s Christmas Parade of Lights.
The city announced the winners on social media Monday afternoon, with RCH winning first place. Joy Freewill Baptist Church and Ellerbe Fellowship Baptist Church were named second- and third-place winners, respectively.
The RCH float was designed by Nic Wilkes and featured several staffers — including CEO Kristina Leyden — dressed as elves in Santa’s workshop, with Hayley Plyler portraying Mrs. Claus standing at the front beside a Christmas tree.
Joy FWB, of Hamlet, went with a more traditional manger scene, complete with a singing angel; and Fellowship Baptist rolled through on The Heaven Express.
However, organizers decided to create the Director’s Choice this year and award it to The Cooke Boys Septic Services for their entry inspired by “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
“There were so many creative entries that deserved to win like Cooke’s,” Director of Community Engagement Mechelle Preslar told the RO Monday when asked about the new award.
Preslar said the award categories will broaden next year to include entries other than the homemade floats, including bands and vehicles not pulling a float.
“It’s so hard to choose because everyone is showing up and showing out,” Preslar said. “I love the creativity that’s coming out!”
Preslar also gives credit to Richmond County Hospice “for empowering people to be creative and competitive.”
The longtime parade was moved from afternoon to after dark in 2021, with the addition of awards and food trucks along the route.
Click here to see photos of the parade by Betty Gallo McIntyre.
Click here to see photos of the parade by William R. Toler.
