Huron-Kinloss news

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Umbrellas were the order of the day instead of parkas and snow boots as rain poured on the Parade of Lights at the 11th annual Christmas in the Park celebration Sunday evening at Lewis Park.

The short parade brought a crowd to downtown Ripley and everyone gathered under the gazebo in the park for hot dogs, chili, hot chocolate and visits with Santa Claus.

The MacDonalds brought their team of horses so people could enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through Ripley.

Organized by chairperson Diane McCulloch and the Ripley Business Community, the event saw prizes given out to those who braved the elements and took part in the parade:

• Commercial float - first, Kempton Construction; second KV Trucking; and third, Farmers Diner
• Residential - first, Mike Smith; second, Tanner Smith, and third, the Fry Girls
• Organizational - first, Murray Hunter, second, Ripley Fire Hall; and third, Ripley Agricultural Society Fall Fair

Sponsors of the event include Bruce Power, Huron-Kinloss Township, the Ripley Lions Club, and the Ripley Business Community.

Prizes were also presented for Christmas decorating of homes and business:

• Residential - first, Debbie and Jim France; second, E. MacTavish; and third, Ann Collins
• Commercial - first, Village Flower Shop; second, Jennifer Thompson Aesthetics; third, Dalton Pottery

Paul Pearce of the Village Flower Shop in Ripley, stays dry under an umbrella while barbecuing hot dogs in the rain

Mercedes McBride (L), 6, and Olivia Lowry, 6, both of Ripley, watch the parade from under an umbrella

Amberly Keelan, Ripley-Huron Ambassador of the Fair, rides the Ripley Agricultural Society float in the Parade of Lights

Santa Claus waves to the crowd from atop Ripley's antique fire truck

Diane McCulloch (L) and Karen Stanley serve chili at the gazebo in Lewis Park

Jacob Lotton, 10, of Ripley has a visit with Santa Claus



Santa Claus chats with Emily Cassidy, 5, of Ripley



Having her picture taken with Santa Claus is Brianna Pointon, four-and-a-half, of Point Clark

Finlay (L), 3, and Riley Kirkpatrick, 12, of Ripley have their photo taken with Santa Claus

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Sunday, November 27, 2011