Charley Stevens honored as grand marshal of 33rd annual Greenfield Eagles Christmas Parade
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
GREENFIELD – Longtime Greenfield businessman and community philanthropist Charley Stevens was honored as the grand marshal for the 33rd annual Greenfield Eagles Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 6, as hundreds of residents lined Jefferson Street in the downtown business district.
Mr. Stevens is the owner of Stevens Hardware at 1450 Jefferson Street. He is a longtime Rotarian and has served the community in many volunteer capacities, including providing Christmas gifts for needy children.
This year's honorary grand marshal was Cleve Bartley of Bartley's Electric of Greenfield.
The Christmas parade has been a popular event in Greenfield for many years, said Greenfield City Manager Ron Coffey. He explained that in 2012, the format was changed from an afternoon parade to an evening event and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
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In addition to the grand marshals, the Greenfield Eagles Aerie 1325 honored Cheryl Cowgill as the 2014 Mother of the Year.
The Snow King was Anthony Snyder and the Snow Queen was Hannah Watson. The Snow Prince was Xander Black and the Snow Princess was Adalynn Highley.
WVNU General Manager Pat Hays served as the parade emcee and introduced the floats and other parade participants.
After a long weekend of rain, Hays asked the crowd, "How many of you are happy that it stopped raining?"
He received a most affirmative reply.
Santa and Mrs. Claus also made an appearance at the conclusion of the parade – with transportation by the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District.
Following the parade, the lighting of the courthouse was led by Operation Light Up City Hall.