Greenfield Eagles host 34th annual Christmas Parade

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

It was a cool and foggy evening for the 34th annual Greenfield Eagles Christmas Parade held Saturday, Dec. 5 through downtown Greenfield.

Just prior to the start of the parade, public address announcer Pat Hays, general manager of WVNU Radio, said this year’s event also was in honor of longtime Greenfield businessman and community leader Lowell McNeil.

Mr. McNeil passed way on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the age of 82.

He was a graduate of McClain High School and The Ohio State University and worked at Sitterle Insurance in Greenfield for 50 years. As always, the parade passed by the well-known insurance firm on Jefferson Street just across from City Hall.

The 2015 parade grand marshal was Martha Gregg, the owner of Cut and Curl in Greenfield for many years.

Eric Zint served as the honorary grand marshal.

In addition to the grand marshals, the Greenfield Eagles Aerie 1325 honored Tacy Hackworth as this year’s Mother of the Year.

While announcing the floats and parade participants, Pat Hays also noted that Greenfield Police Chief Tim Hester has announced his retirement. Hays thanked Chief Hester for his many years of service to the community.

Also representing the village in the parade was Council Member Betty Jackman, who rode with the chief in his patrol car.

The Christmas parade has been a popular event in Greenfield for many years. In 2012, the format was changed from an afternoon parade to an evening event and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

While last year’s pedestrian crowd seemed larger, many more people parked along Jefferson Street this year to enjoy the parade from the comfort of their vehicles on a rather cool evening.

At the conclusion of the parade, Hays thanked everyone for attending and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.