Red Bank City Commissioners Stefanie Dalton, Hollie Berry, Pete Phillips and Ruth Jeno, City Manager Martin Granum and Commissioner Ed LeCompte
photo by Earl Freudenberg
Red Bank held their annual Christmas parade and tree lighting Friday night with a crowd estimated at 2,000.
Mayor Hollie Berry said she was delighted to see such a large crowd line Dayton Boulevard in the downtown business district.
Under partly cloudy skies and 62 degrees, the parade began with a display of the Red Bank Police and Fire departments along with the city’s public works department.
A host of political candidates running in next year’s Hamilton County election walked several blocks in the parade waving at those in attendance wishing them a Merry Christmas. The Red Bank Lions club rode in the parade promoting their annual pecan sale.
Mayor Berry was joined by Vice Mayor Stefanie Dalton, and Commissioners Ruth Jeno, Pete Phillips and Ed LeCompte. Newly named city manager Martin Granum and his wife Annette were also in attendance.
City Manager Granum, who served in the Air Force for 24 years, said he is looking forward to working for the citizens of Red Bank in his new position.
Commissioner Jeno drove the city manager in her vintage 1987 Mercedes.
The Red Bank High School JROTC and High School marching band were also in the parade receiving a thunderous welcome from the crowd. Several business rode in the parade with their employees. The Dallas Bay fire department served as special guests.
Santa Claus brought up the end with Mrs.
Claus and stopped in the city park to great dozens of children who flocked to have their pictures made as the large Christmas tree was turned on. There were crafters selling their goods as visitors did some Christmas shopping.
Judge Russell Bean, former State Rep. Richard Floyd and retired broadcaster Earl Freudenberg served as parade announcers.
Santa's arrival
photo by Earl Freudenberg