The annual Cartersville-Bartow County Exchange Club’s Christmas Parade lighted up the streets of downtown Cartersville on Thursday evening, December 3rd. 

Families and children stood on the sidewalk and sat along the curb, watching local school bands, equestrian groups, a Cartersville motorcycle club, and an appearance by the Anheuser-Busch wagon pulled by a team of mighty Clydesdale horses, and of course Santa Claus.

There were dozens of floats in the parade, representing local organizations and businesses.  Among the prize winners, the third-place award went to the float for the Relay For Life team of Cartersville, sponsored by Gunn Contracting of Cartersville.  Representing the Bartow-Etowah Civil Air Patrol  squadron, Captain Hayden T. Collins and cadets Corey Collins and Logan Hyde were invited to accompany the Relay For Life float along the parade route and pass out Relay For Life flyers and candy to the crowd.

The Christmas parade is a highlight of the holiday season in Cartersville, and Captain Collins and the CAP cadets were glad to be part of this community celebration.  “This was an honor to attend and help support this organization that touches so many people.  Thank you for allowing the Civil Air Patrol to attend and support the fight against cancer.”

Hayden Collins joined family members of the 108th Armored Cavalry Squadron
 for an evening of Christmas cheer at the Georgia National Guard Armory in Calhoun, Georgia on Saturday, December 5th.

 The soldiers of the 108th are presently deployed overseas and expected to return next year. Hearing about the Christmas party for their families, and the contributions that supported it, helps to send the holiday spirit to those far from home.

Hayden expressed special thanks to all who helped to sponsor the event, and members of the community who provided gifts for the dependent children of the deployed soldiers of the 108th.   “Your donations helped make a fun filled evening for all.”