A WONDERFUL WOODFORD CHRISTMAS tree lighting and other events Friday, Dec. 5 brought an estimated 500 people to downtown Versailles. Before the tree was lit, students from Simmons, Northside and Southside elementaries sang two songs apiece. (Photo by John McGary)
PHYLLIS MATTINGLY has been the official Christmas Parade announcer for several years, and amazes everyone with not just her pithy one-liners, but holiday cheer and getting every float and participant correct. Phyllis, center, is joined by Woodford County Judge Executive James Kay and Versailles Mayor Laura Dake. (Photo by Kate Melanson)
JANE’S SCHOOL OF DANCE provided a Rockettes-style dance routine, courtesy of their hard work and the guidance of Megan Schenck Dragoo, a former Rockette. (Photo by Scott White)
SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students made new ornaments for the Versailles Christmas Tree, which can be used for years and years, so, as Mayor Laura Dake said, “Kids today can come see the tree in 20 years and find the ornament they made.” Oak & Moore assisted the school with the project. (Photo by Scott White)
EMMA AND ALEX ADAMS were among the children who enjoyed a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (and hot chocolate and cookies) at Wesley Covenant Fellowship Church after the tree-lighting. (Photo by John McGary)
FIRST PLACE in the Sun’s Christmas Parade Photo Contest goes to Elaine Bailey for her terrific photo of the WCHS Marching Band, who decorated their instruments for the parade. (Photo by Elaine Bailey)
Versailles officially welcomed the holiday season with the kick-off of “A Wonderful Woodford Christmas.”
The fun began with the annual Christmas Tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, and continued on Saturday with the Sugar Plum 5 K Run, followed by the annual Christmas Parade, which was attended by an overflow crowd from Green Street all the way to Rose Hill. The parade featured floats, the Woodford County High School and Kentucky State University marching bands, athletic teams, Boy Scouts, and, of course, Santa!
WLEX-TV Chief Meteorologist Bill Meck was the Grand Marshal, and Versailles native and lawyer Phyllis Mattingly continued her 20-plus year run as the announcer and emcee.