Bamberg Parade

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

Cool, damp, overcast skies with the temperature around 48 degrees was the back drop for the City of Bamberg annual Christmas Parade Saturday morning. The theme for this year’s parade was ‘ Through a Child’s Eyes.’ Representative Bakari Sellers was the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade that featured approximately 50 units and included a number of floats, antique cars, a JROTC Unit and the Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School Raider Regiment Marching Band.

Bamberg Christmas Parade Director Paul Sandifer, now in his 32nd year, said that he was “real pleased with the turnout considering the weather.” Sandifer said he wanted to personally thank Bamberg Job Corps Center Director Mitra Vazeen and her staff for the part they played in making this year’s parade a success. “We could not have done it without them, They have always been there to meet our needs,” said Sandifer.

Winners in the different categories this year were: Religious Floats: First Place was Spring Branch, Second Place was Bamberg First Baptist Church and Word of Life won third place. Commercial Floats: First Place went to Bamberg Job Corps Center and Second Place went to Bamberg Piggly Wiggly. Antique Cars : First Place went to Bill Kilgus’ Jeep, Second Place was a Model A Ford and Third Place went to a black 1957 Chevy.

Denmark Parade

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

The City of Denmark ushered in the Christmas season with its annual Christmas parade Saturday afternoon. This year’s parade was held again under sunny skies, mild temperatures and featured native son South Carolina House of Representative Bakari Sellers as Grand Marshal.

The Denmark parade featured a number of city officials, Shriners, marching units, fire trucks a marching band and Santa Claus.

Ehrhardt Parade

The Ehrhardt Annual Schuetzenfest Lighted Christmas Parade was held on December 7th, 2009 at 5:30 PM and it was a delight to behold with 55 entries.

Holiday Tips

Jerry Durgan, Contributing Writer

Sgt's. Kirby and Ransom of the Bamberg Police Department presented tips on holiday travel and shopping to senior members of Mt. Zion UMC.

“You have to have a mind-set for safety during the holiday season,” Sgt. Kirby explained to nearly a dozen senior citizens. “The thing you need to remember is that you must not look like a victim,” he said. “Follow your gut feeling,” Sgt. Ransom said. “Whenever possible, don’t shop alone. Carry only the money you need when you shop. Leave your purse locked safely in the trunk of your car as well as any purchases you made.”

Park in well-lighted areas, as near to the entrance to the mall or store where you will be shopping. If you have several packages, carry only a few at a time to your car, locking them safely in the trunk. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a store clerk to help getting your purchases to you car. Be alert to your surroundings.