Parade kicks off holiday season in Albany

Hundreds of people lined Main Street on Nov. 29 as the Albany Chamber of Commerce hosted this year’s Lighted Christmas Parade. The Grinch served as grand marshal and led a long line of floats, classic cars, ATVs, and community groups through town. Santa made his appearance near the end of the parade, waving to children gathered along the route.

Judges had plenty to choose from this year, but one entry drew more attention than the rest. Charles Ray Holson walked with the Cook family’s “Griswold Christmas” entry and stepped out as Cousin Eddie, complete with an old RV and the familiar septic hose in hand the entire way down Main Street. He looked so much like the real thing that people along the route began shouting movie lines as he passed. At one point it looked like he was getting ready to unload the… well, you know. His performance ended up being one of the biggest highlights of the parade.

The Cook Family’s “Griswold Christmas” float went on to win Best Overall. Happy Birthday Jesus from MMPC was named Most Christmas Spirit, while Pony Paradise, entered by the Nitschke family, earned Most Creative. Other strong entries included Hairitage Boutique, Pappy’s Hay Wagon, and EZ Feed Bull in the float category. Several classic vehicles were also recognized, including He’s a Mean One…Grinch and RiRi and Popa’s Express. Merry Christmas From the Family and Top Hand RV placed in the ATV and golf cart division, and Shackelford County VFD earned top honors among organizations, followed by Albany VFD and the Lions Club Sweetheart group.

Parade organizers thanked all participants for helping make this year’s event a success and noted the strong turnout along Main Street throughout the evening.