Carthage, Tennessee, Nov. 26, 2023 – This past Sunday, the town of Carthage embraced the festive spirit with its annual Hometown Christmas celebration and Parade. The lively procession commenced on Industrial Drive, weaving its way up Hwy 25 to North Main Street, concluding at Second Avenue just beyond the Historic Smith County Courthouse.
Expressing gratitude for the event, Tracy Woodard shared her thoughts on the parade: ” WOW! A huge THANK YOU to each and every one who weathered the rain and participated in the parade. We hope all of the spectators were able to enjoy, also, despite the rain. Your donations were over-the-top this year!!! As you can see, Johnnys van is filled to the brim!!We believe this was the largest parade we have had in a long time! As with any outdoor event, it is so hard to plan because you’re playing with the weather. You just have to hope for the best and cross your fingers! THANK YOU to each of the local businesses that made donations to the Carthage Lions Club. Your donations are why we are able to assist Individuals with either eye wear or hearing aids! THANK YOU, AGAIN!!! Carthage Lions Club (Lions Club Members Tracy Woodard, Diane Skelton, Tom White, Johnny Law, Alex Richmond, and Denise Givens were among those who contributed to the parade’s success.)
Carthage’s Main Street was bedecked with eye-catching decorations, with credit going to the Town of Carthage public works crew led by superintendent Mr. Leslie Fisher. The Town of Carthage Decorations Committee, helmed by Mrs. Francis McDonald and Mrs. Jackie Dodson, added a touch of elegance with ribbon stripes and bows on the street poles.
The festive spirit extended to the Courthouse Grounds, where the Smith County Maintenance crew, under Mr. David Lankford’s leadership, erected the County tree and manger scene. Riddleton’s Family & Consumer Education club, overseen by Mary Draper at the UT Extension office, added charm to the large flowerpots. The Historic Courthouse’s front received a collaborative touch from the Smith County Events Committee and the Carthage Events Committee, adorning it with wreaths, bows, and lights.
The Historic Courthouse’s interior was transformed into a winter wonderland by the Smith County Events Committee, chaired by Mrs. Stephanie Winfree. Children were treated to a delightful scene reminiscent of the North Pole, thanks to the efforts of Mr. & Mrs. B.J. Blankenship, members of the Lafayette Lions Club, who portrayed Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Santa’s helpers and elves, including Matt and Leslie Smith, Erika Ebel, Bridgette Briggs, Jessica Knowles, and Stephanie Winfree, added to the enchantment.
Entertainment graced the Courthouse steps with performances by Don and Barbara Kannapel, Julie Wright, and Billy Woodard. The cast of Les Misérables from the Smith County Playhouse, directed by Mr. J.R. Smith, previewed a number from their upcoming play at the Bill Reece Auditorium in Smith County High School. The Smith County Community Band regaled the audience with a medley of Christmas songs.
The county’s Christmas tree and decorations received an official illumination from recent beauty queens and Mayor Jeff Mason. Acknowledging the collaborative effort required for such an event, gratitude was extended to Nancy Richardson and Bridgette Briggs for their administrative and planning roles throughout the year. Special thanks were also offered to the Smith County Chamber of Commerce events planning committee for their continuous support.
Reflecting on the success of the event, it was emphasized that none of it would be possible without the dedication of individuals from Smith County, the Town of Carthage, Gordonsville, and South Carthage. “I love and appreciate all you folks who helped us have the biggest and best Hometown Christmas and parade ever!”
May God Bless all of you and have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.
Submitted by Billy Woodard, Smith County Chamber of Commerce.
Photos shared with permission from Mark Ervin Presley, Smith County Events Committee and Smith County Chamber
