Community Parade, Snow Day bring Christmas cheer early
A crowd lined downtown Adel streets on Thursday evening, Dec. 1, 2022, for the annual Community Christmas Parade. This year’s theme was, “ ‘COOK’ing Up A Candyland Christmas.”
The day had been chilly, but the north wind died down in time for the outdoor event to be a pleasant holiday experience.
The Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce announced the float winners:
• Best Overall – Jessi July Clothing Co.
• Best Costumes and Craftsmanship – Cook Community Bank.
• Best Use of Theme and Originality – Jessi July Clothing Co.
• Best Civic Group/Club – HOSA.
The 2022 Christmas Parade might have been a little smaller (about 30 units), but it was one of the best yet. The Chamber thanked all participants for joining them in making this community event a success.
Zoe Myers, 2021 Cook County Woman of the Year, served as the parade grand marshal. The parade’s entries ranged from local officials to the Cook High School Marching Hornets, from civic and school groups, churches, and businesses to Santa and Mrs. Claus riding downtown on the old Adel Fire Department truck.
The Chamber gave a special “thank you” to those who adhered to the request regarding candy this year. As always, it is the Chamber’s goal to provide a safe environment for our children and spectators to enjoy this special season.
Christmas in Cook continued from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, with the “Mingle & Jingle” Ladies Night Out Shopping Event held in downtown Adel. Big El from Hot 102.7 played all your favorite hits from 5 to 7. Special Mingle & Jingle Deals were available from participating stores.
Snow Day drew a crowd to the Depot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Snow Day featured vendors with homemade arts and crafts, bakery goods, and holiday-themed gifts; local businesses and community organizations offering food and fun activities; Santa and Mrs. Claus posing for photo ops with young and old alike on the big red sleigh; and, of course, the Snow Slide with snow provided by Buddy Duke and Adel Ice Co. South Georgia Dance Company performed a preview of their Christmas recital. The full event will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Carolyn Harris Performing Arts Center in Adel.
According to Chamber President Heather Green, “It takes a tremendous amount of volunteers to organize ‘Christmas in Cook’ each year. We couldn’t do it without the help of our Chamber Ambassadors, Board members, and Jr. Board. Most especially the City of Adel’s Public Works and Utilities Departments. A special thank you to Jake Weeks and Adel Ice for helping us bring back the snow slide this year. … THANK YOU ALL for the part you played in helping make this year’s ‘Christmas in Cook’ events great for our community!”
Special “Christmas in Cook” events concluded Saturday evening, Dec. 3, at Reed Bingham State Park. Reed Bingham hosted Movie Night with a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The location was at the Beach Pavilion. Movie in the Park featured fire pits, S’mores, hot chocolate, and goodies.
