Thousands of residents lined Plano Road Dec. 3 to see Richardson’s annual Christmas Parade. With a theme of “A Storybook Christmas,” the parade included 56 entries, 20 dignitaries, about 1,500 participants and dozens of volunteers helping throughout the parade route.
Former City Manager Dan Johnson and his wife Tina served as the parade’s ceremonial grand marshals. Parade participants contributed over 600 toys and $1,700 to Network of Community Ministries to assist families in the community over the holidays, while parade sponsorships raised another $3,150 for Network.
Division winners were awarded by a panel of 12 judges based off things like originality, representation of the theme “Storybook Christmas,” spirit, enthusiasm and overall representation of their organization. Judges gave each entry a score and awards were presented to the following entries:
GENERAL AWARDS
Animal-Civic Club/Nonprofit: Richardson Animal Shelter
Float-Business Group: Raising Cane’s
Float-Nonprofit/Civic Group: RISD Family Literacy Center
Float-School Club/Org.: Richardson High School Theater Collective
Float-Youth: YMCA Rainbowhawk Adventure Princess Circle
Marching/Walking-Business: Curves
Marching/Walking-Civic Club/Nonprofit: Special Olympics Richardson Road Runners
Marching/Walking-School Club/Org: Cub Scout Pack 893
Marching/Walking-Youth: AMA Tae Kwon Do
Vehicle-Business/Commercial: Burn Boot Camp
Vehicle-Civic Club/Nonprofit: North Dallas Scooter Meet up
SPECIALTY AWARDS
Mayor’s Award: Tumbleweeds 4-H Club
Grand Marshal’s Award: Brohawk’s YMCA Adventure Guides
Chairman’s Elf Award: Huffhines Dance Team
Spirit Award: Lake Highlands ROTC Wildcat Battalion
Spectacular Sparkles Award: VFW Post 8627
Performance Award: Berkner Ramblers
Theme-a-rific: Cub Scout Pack 871
Spirit of Giving Award: Tuzer Ballet
The City of Richardson would like to express gratitude to The Richardson Rotary Club, Richardson East Rotary Club, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Golden Chick, First United Methodist Church Richardson, Central Christian Church, Assurenet Insurance Agency, Jason’s Deli and Toyota of Richardson for sponsoring the parade, and to every individual that made the parade a success!
