,AND FINALLY
12A        Dec. 10, 2009              The County Paper, Est. 1923       levyjournalonline.com       The Levy County Journal


   t began rather wet, one of the
      wettest, dreariest days in recent
      memory. But by midday Sat-
      urday, the skies began to clear
and the sun began to shine.
  Mother Nature, it seems, is just as
big a fan of Christmas as the rest of us.
And she loves a parade.
   So, as hundreds lined U.S. 19
through the middle of Chiefland, the an-
nual Christmas Parade kicked off, with
dozens of boats and floats, bands and
vans, bright lights, and kids of all ages.
   Santa was there, of course. And the
mayor too.
   Earlier in the day, it was all about
the festival, and dozens made their way
to the Chamber of Commerce to take in
the sights and sounds of Christmas.
   Kids played, elephants rumbled, and
joyful music permeated the entire area.
   Football fans were not left out -- a
big screen television was furnished
so that Gator fans could watch their
beloved team.
   That didn't work out.
   But it seemed as though everything
else did on this day, a day in which all
of Chiefland came together to celebrate
the season.
   Merry Christmas!


                                                     u 4.
                                               :                           .

Bundled up to withstand the cold temperatures, a member of the 4H club enjoys her ride through Chiefland.


Young Levy County resident has the waving
part down as the parade makes it way through Despite temperatures that dipped slightly below normal, smiles were the order of the day.
Chiefland. (Photos by Rick Burnham)
                F W- .a 0-W.21 FA9 N                             -at FmW


A choir sings a tune during the holiday festival earlier in the day.  Santa gets into the holiday spirit during this year's parade.


Maria the elephant, from the Two Tails Ranch in Williston, gives two Joanne Richardson enjoys the parade with her granddaughter,
youngsters a ride during the holiday festival.           Mary Richardson.