MOUNT VERNON — A few days ago, at least, the Ohio weather finally found a little chill in the air, but Knox County residents don’t have to worry, things are about to get toasty. The 2008 Christmas Parade will turn the heat up, as “Christmas Around the Campfire” is the theme for this year’s parade.
Developing a theme that easily converts to the entries is important to Kay Culbertson, publisher of the the Mount Vernon News. The parade is sponsored by The Heritage Centre Association and coordinated by the News.
“We always try to think of something that will be fun to work with, where people can be creative,” said Culbertson. “People try to outdo each other, and this theme should be great for that friendly competitiveness.”
Once the parade theme was selected, organizers pictured a group of people around a campfire and immediately, Larry L. Hall came to mind.
“Campfires and Larry Hall just go together,” Culbertson said.
Hall, a native of Knox County, graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1969. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years as a hospital corpsman and surgical technician. For 25 years following his military service, Hall worked in the medical-technical field. He also gave 16 years as a volunteer with 4-H. Hall is known for his 15 years of continuous dedication to the youth of Knox County as the 4-H Youth Development Educator with the Knox County OSU Extension Office.
He has been involved for 40 years in 4-H activities, including youth development, camping and the Knox County Fair. His on the Ohio team for Operation: Military Kids, which serves military families during times of deployment. His is a 4-H shooting sports instructor, ODNR hunter safety instructor, a member of Pheasants Forever and the local Methodist layspeaker.
He has been married to his wife, Gwen (Boone) for 38 years. The couple has three children. Daughter Jessica Overholt is a Fredericktown band director and music teacher with her husband, Eric. They have three children, Wil, Luke and Meredith. Son Justin and his wife, Julie, live in South Carolina with their children, Michael and Serenna. Daughter Janelle and her husband, Cory, live near Mount Vernon with their children, Alyse and Sam.
The 2008 Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29. It forms at the old high school football field at the end of West Gambier Street. It then travels east along Gambier Street, then north on Main Street to Public Square. The procession leaves the staging area around 1:15 p.m. and should arrive at South Main Street at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Judging will begin at 11 a.m. and end promptly at 12:45 p.m.
Deadline to enter the parade lineup is Wednesday, Nov. 19. Categories include: Walking Entry, Animal Entry, Business Entry, Humorous Entry, Humorous Walking Entry, Religious Entry, Senior Adult Entry, Youth Entry, Classic Auto Entry, School Entry, Horse-Drawn Entry, Equestrian Entry, Pony-Drawn Entry, Antique Implement Entry, Emergency Vehicle Entry, Organizational Entry, Best Parade Theme Entry and Best Motorcycle Entry. The Dan Emmett Best Overall award will be given to one of the winners in the 18 entry categories.
The Christmas Parade Auction is scheduled for Thursday, at The Parkside Restaurant & Tavern, 108 Mount Vernon Ave. A social hour begins at 5 p.m. that includes hors d’oeuvres and an open bar as well as a silent auction. The live auction for parade entry sponsorships begins at 6 p.m.
Anyone who is unable to attend the auction but would like to bid on any of the categories is encouraged to contact Lynne Ricard at the HCA office at 393-1481. Bids can also be e-mailed to
