| JANUARY 14, 2011 -- "I love parades, and my grandchildren love parades,” said Judy Godek, who waited patiently on Main Street with her daughter and three grandchildren for the first Stafford Winter Fest parade to arrive. Soon hundreds of area residents had gathered – hot chocolate and coffee in hand – to await the arrival of a multitude of decorated holiday-themed floats, the Stafford Middle School band, and Santa Claus on the top of a blazing red fire truck .
“This is our first Winter Fest in Stafford,” said Kathi Fisher, secretary of the Stafford Community and Civic Affairs Committee, which organized the event. Fisher said there was a little nervousness ahead of time that snow might cancel the event, but fair weather prevailed and the event went off without a hitch.
Several local groups and businesses participated in the parade, including the Democratic Town Committee, the Department of Child and Family Services, the Stafford Rotary, the Stafford Grange, Bravo’s Restaurant, Stafford Motor Speedway, Scott’s Karpentry, M&J Bus Company, the Stafford Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, and more.
After the parade, everyone was welcomed at Town Hall for some hot chocolate, coffee and sweet treats, and an old-fashioned carol sing with the Stafford High Madrigals, led by Laurie Dillon.
“We had a very good turnout for our first year,” said Gail Fisher, a member of the Committee. “ I hope we continue with it for years to come.” |
