A Jingle Bell Parade

On the evening of December 3rd as the sun began to fade in the distance, the Town of Bell kicked off its 5th Annual Town Hall Lighting Ceremony.
Promptly at 6 p.m. Lighting and Parade Director, Betty Ramey said, “Turn ‘em on.”
Instantly the whole area lit up with thousands of lights transforming the old Train Depot and surrounding area into a magical wonderland.

‘Southern Belles Christmas’ a float decorated by the SCV placed first for the Best Decorated Military.

Following the invocation by Pastor Paul Watson of Bell Baptist Church, the Master of Ceremony, Darryl Bryan, Town of Bell Mayor recognized the following volunteers: Norman and Ramona Davis, Chris Davis and Renee’ Hymel, Gwen Walden, Debbie Destin, Carol Murray, Gilchrist County Journal, Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce, Iris Roberts, Jr. Kembrell, David Sanders, Kelly Cavanah, Ray Sanders, Amos Philman, and a special recognition to Betty Ramey.
The Town Hall was filled with homemade cookies, brownies, punch, and coffee being served by President of the Town of Bell Council, Iris Roberts and her granddaughters Suzanne Mathe and Beth Ellis, along with Carol Murray, as folks gathered around to enjoy the wonderful music of the Dixie Jubilee.
Railroad Lane became the stage for the Destin’s Dance and Fitness Academy dancers as they performed in the shadows of the beautiful lighting.
During the free ticket drawing more than $1,400 in donations was given away thanks to the many contributions.
Parade Day, December 4, started early with craft and food vendors setting up for the Street-side Arts and Craft event, and at 1 p.m. the parade line-up of 107 entries began.
At 2 p.m. the 30th Annual Bell Christmas Parade started moving south from the roadside park for the one mile parade route lined with thousands of spectators.
This year’s official parade announcer was Gilchrist County Administrator, Ron McQueen who colorfully introduced the entries as they passed by.
This year’s parade entry winners were: BEST DECORATED - MILITARY--Sons of the Confederate Veterans.
BEST DECORATED EQUESTRIAN--Rhythm Riders Mounted Drill Team,
BEST DECORATED STATE and COUNTY--Tacachale,
BEST DECORATED NON-MOTORIZED--Barbara Williams,
BEST DECORATED MOTORIZED--Garrick Cashatt, BUSINESS --1st place, Palms Medical Group; 2nd place, Kathy’s All Things Preschool; 3rd place, Bell Farm and Feed, FAMILY/INDIVIDUAL--1st place, Patsy and Raymond Avery; 2nd place, Hugh Sanders Family; 3rd place, Kelly Alexis Tilton,
CHURCH/RELIGOUS--1st place, Union Baptist; 2nd place, New Hope Family Church; 3rd place, Living Praise Church of God, YOUTH--1st place BHS JROTC; 2nd place Destin’s Dance and Fitness Academy; 3rd place Church of God “Youth”, CIVIC--1st place, Gilchrist Chamber of Commerce; 2nd place, Bell Library; 3rd place, Character Council of Gilchrist County.