Monticello Christmas Christmas Around the World!

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

The streets of Monticello shone brightly on Friday night, Dec. 2, as members of the community gathered in the downtown area for a cheerful celebration of one of the town's most popular annual events, Monticello Christmas, presented by Experience Monticello. This year's theme was “Christmas Around the World,” and included a Christmas Lights Parade, tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa and live music and entertainment. At 5 p.m. sharp, the town came alive with laughter, caroling and traditional holiday melodies as citizens enjoyed a walk along the festive streets that were filled with craft vendors, costumed characters and seasonally decorated local boutiques that stayed opene late for the event.
Anticipation began to build as 6 p.m. rolled around, signaling the beginning of the Christmas Lights Parade. Parade participants lined up at the County Annex parking lot, located on Walnut Street, and began winding their way east, crossing over Hwy, 19, and traveling north on Cherry Street. Brightly lit golf-carts, vehicles and floats waved merrily to their community, tossing candy and other goodies to nearby spectators. The parade line-up even featured several live animal participants, as horses, ponies and other festively-adorned animals followed the procession along, bringing with them the ringing of sleigh bells and brightly-colored costumes.
In order, the parade line up went as follows: Monticello Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Kelly & Kelly, The Monticello News, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Carol Revell, Girl Scout Troop 4004, Angela Gray- Property Appraiser, Tri-County Electric, Shanna Boutwell, North Florida Wildlife Center, Jill Denton- Lil Watermelon Princess, The Luckenbooth Shop, North Florida Offroad, Teri Naylor- beYOUtiful Skin Spa, Gerald & Cinda Laporte, Florida House of Representatives- Allison Tant, Erin Ledyard- WildOaks Farm, Jefferson FFA -S. Prevatt, JT Surles, All County Property Management-Scott McPherson, Pop’s Sanitation, Brenda Sorensen- EA, Trelawn farm, Monticello Volunteer Fire Department-Santa.
Awards were given after the parade.
• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was awarded the Frosty Award for the Best “Around the World Theme”
• Jefferson County Property Appraiser was awarded the North Star Award for best light display (with float)
• The Revells were awarded the Santa’s Sleigh Award for best light display (without float)
• JT Surles was awarded the Fruitcake Award for Most Humorous Entry
• Scott McPherson/All County Property Management was awarded the Rudolph & Co Award for Best Animal Entry
• North Florida Wildlife Center and Monticello Kiwanis were both awarded Honorable Mention.
Jolly old Saint Nick made his appearance at 6:30 p.m., to the delight of the children (and some of the grown ups) who were gathered on Dogwood Street. At 6:45 p.m., the street was flooded in sparkling ambiance as the 20 foot-tall Monticello Christmas tree was lit, signaling the start of the Santa visits. Individuals were invited to come, sit down on Santa's lap and talk to Santa about their wishes for Christmas. At the Kid's Activity area, children were encouraged to enjoy a variety of arts and crafts projects, and the Monticello Historical Association invited guests to come join them by their fire and enjoy some delicious hot cocoa with some of their members, who donned impressive Victorian attire. Animal lovers were delighted to take pictures with a Christmas llama, offered by Redemptive Love Farm. This event was certainly one for the books, and had something to delight everyone who attended.
This year's event was the most well-attended Monticello Christmas event to date, says Event Chairperson Michele Arceneaux, adding, “We feel it was a huge success, and it brought so many new visitors to our town to see how special it is and all the great things we have to offer; shopping, dining, events, and of course our friendly residents! We hope that everyone had a great time!”
Arceneaux offered a special thank you to Co-Chairs Pam and Barry Kelly, Nan Baughman, Brian and Corin Bachman, as well as to all of the volunteers that helped make this event so successful.
Vendors that attended the event were: Ornamental Designs and Crafts, Pam Beck, CB Family Farms, Gnome Creations by Sue, Jim’s Wood Toys,Theresa Sterling, Big Bend Hospice, FL Department of Health, Jefferson County, Altrusa International of Monticello, Creative Touch, Inc, Spicy Acres Farm, Granny Kats Apiary Supply & Bee Learning Center, New Bethel AME Church, Boy Scout Troop 803, Tonja Benfield, Lisa Starling, Monticello-Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Art Dr., Hartworks Face & Body Art, Art Enchanted, Redemptive Love Farm & Rescue, Gloria’s Jewelry, X Finity and Lil Figs.
Sponsors for this event were: Jefferson County TDC, Monticello-Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Xfinity, SE Roofing, Jackies Brickhouse Eatery, Katrina Walton & Associates, Intermediary Services, LLC, Décor de France, State Farm, Tommy Surles, Vintage Treasures, CB Family Farms, Kelly & Kelly Properties, Luther Pickels – Linda Webb, Cowhaus Coffee Company, CWR Contracting, Monticello Plant Boutique and Two Sisters, New Beginnings. In addition to all of these sponsors, several local businesses donated gift cards or certificates.
Live entertainment was offered by MADCO singers and dancers, Shaw Horton and Mountain Dew Cloggers. The festivities were emceed by Tammy Brookins. The tree lighting was carried out by Jefferson County Sheriff Mac McNeill. Santa was provided by Larry Bates.
This year's event was a fun and festive start to the December weeks ahead, getting even the Grinchiest among us full of the holiday spirit!