LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Columbus Community,

Awesome! Beautiful! Magical! Breathtaking! And those are just a few descriptive words that come to mind when reflecting on last night, Nov. 28, and the Christmas on the Colorado Lighted Parade. It was indeed a Hallmark Moment, Columbus style.

When we at the Chamber approached the city officials last year to get permission to hold a Lighted Parade for the Bicentennial, we agreed to a onetime event. When we saw the turnout, heard all the positive comments, and witnessed the excitement, we knew we had to do everything possible to make it an annual event.

The process started in late Spring with gathering signatures on a petition, presenting the signatures along with “reasons why” to the City Council in July, and obtaining unanimous permission from all members of the City Council. The Chamber was as excited about the possibility of an annual parade as the many Columbus residents who continued to ask if it would happen again.

Last night, it was evident that it did need to happen again, and it will continue to occur on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year.

As the Events Director, I am responsible for overseeing the lighted parade. Still, my job is made much easier with the support of the Columbus Chamber Board of Directors and the office staff, Shelley and Becky. The City of Columbus and Colorado County grounds crew rocked it with Christmas decorations and lighting on the square and around town. “Clark Griswold would be proud”.

The parade had thirty-seven entries, and each was absolutely spectacular. The parade judges, Mayor Lori An Gobert and Judge Ty Prause had difficulty choosing only three winners. The Best Car/Truck Entry winner was Jeff & Tammy Campbell from Elgin in their 1923 Model T-Truck. In the Best Overall Category, St. Anthony Catholic School took the trophy, and for the second year in a row, American Ag drove away with the Best Lighted Entry with their Griswold-themed entry.

Following the parade, approximately 600 people gathered on the square for the lighting of the tree by Mayor Gobert and Judge Prause. Parade trophies were presented, and Santa visited with the kiddos and posed for pictures with Photos by Lydia. Chef Raoul and his team served up an abundance of hot cocoa and cookies, and the Bubble Bounce House was a big hit with the kids. None of this would be possible without the generosity of the following businesses and individuals who donated not only monetary donations but also their time and resources. Thank You — We Are Truly a Blessed Community!

City of Columbus, Colorado County Commissioners Court, Mayor Lori An Gobert, Judge Ty Prause, The City of Columbus Police Force, Pamela & Henry Potter, Ann Butler, Chef Raoul Catering, Columbus State Bank, B. Peterman, Blue Dolphin Realty, Old 300 Title Company, Photos by Lydia, CHPT (Santa’s sponsor), Elliott & Waldron, Circle C Perspective, Kountry Kritters, Kay Klauber Candies, Charlene Morrison, B&D Graphics, Medical Skin Associates & Spa, Sign Gypsies, Columbus There are not enough words to express how grateful I am for the support of this community! Columbus is indeed small town living at its very best. May you all have a very happy holiday season!

Regards,

Janet Hollmann Events Director Columbus Chamber of Commerce