The Southwest Alabama Chamber of Commerce held an awards banquet for the winners of the Christmas parade float competition recently.

First place and grand prize winning Christmas parade float builders received their awards at a banquet recently. Above left: Adam Sealey accepts for TES, (above middle) Lynne Kimbrough accepts for TLC, (above right) Dara Ashcraft accepts for Wal-Mart and (right) Rusty and Deanna Swanson accept for Restorations Paint & Body. The grand prize this year was shared by Thomasville Elementary School and Thomasville Learning Center.

For the authenticity category, Restorations Paint & Body won first place for their "1930s" float, New Life Pentacostal Church won second place for "Christmas at Grandma's" and Acceptance Loan won third place for "Jingle Bell Rock."

Winners in the theme competition were: Wal Mart, first place for "Olde Tymey Laffy Taffy Christmas"; Boys & Girls Club for "A Fabulous 50s Christmas"; The Wishing Well Farm for "Christmas on the Farm."

In the costumes category, Girl Scout Troup #8557 won first place, Thomasville Middle School won second place for "All I want for Christmas" and Southwest Alabama Medical Center won third place for "Always the Reason for the Season."

Winners in the construction and scenic design category were: Hippy Clarke County, first place for "Christmas Past Gingerbread Fun"; Amedisys Home Health, second place for "Healthy Holidays"; Education Station, third place for "Jesus Past Present and Future."

Receiving honorable mentions were: Cozy Quilters, Massey Tractor and Church of God.