Award winners announced

CELINA-People flocked to downtown Celina Saturday night for the 2025 Celina Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade, and they were treated to a good show.

A long line of entries made their way from the Highway 53 Bypass down East Lake Avenue to the Historic Clay County Courthouse Square, and paradegoers packed the streets to enjoy it all.

The event has been held annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving for some time now and it has grown from year to year.

Most entries were lit up with holiday lights and they included emergency vehicles, UTVs, tractors, jeeps, antique cars, horses, wagons, and much more.

Longtime local educator, coach, and U.S. Army Corps Ranger Bobby Bartlett served as the honorary grand marshal of the parade.

Award winners included:

• Most Creative—Acres of Grace Farms;

• Best Use of Theme—K&R Auto Sales;

• Best Decorated Emergency Vehicle—Clay County Rescue Squad;

• Best Decorated Vehicle—Clay County Fairest of the Fair Abby Head;

• Best Animal Group—Odle Farms;

• Best Costumes—Jordan Creek Farms; and

• Most Holiday Spirit—Wellworth Bank.

Organizers also offered their appreciation to all involved.

“Thank you to everyone who made the parade a success once again!” they said on the Celina Downtown Events Facebook page.  “The entries, organizers, volunteers, first responders, vendors who setup for after the parade, Dale Hollow Horizon for broadcasting, City of Celina and Clay County Chamber for sponsoring, and spectators!

“What a weekend to kick off Christmas season in Celina.  Let the festivities begin!”