MOUNT VERNON — Sometimes it just takes spending some cold hard cash to get you into the Christmas spirit. If that’s the case, spirits were running high Thursday night as members of the Heritage Centre Association, and the community at large, gathered to sponsor entries in the 2008 Christmas Parade.
By the end of the night, $6,058 was raised at the event, held at Parkside Restaurant.
“Oh my gosh, I totally didn’t expect it to be so successful,” said Lynne Ricard, downtown manager, of the night’s total cash intake. “With the shape of our economy and some of our usual bidders not being here, I really didn’t know what to expect.”
Despite uncertain expectations, the auction brought in $675 more than last year’s total. This bump was due, in part, by business owners and community members who could not attend but called in bid pledges in advance, not to mention the competitive atmosphere that helped build the numbers.
The basic premise for the night, according to Ricard, is to raise money to pay for expenses of the Christmas Parade.
“We have to pay the bills,” Ricard said.
Part of that, she said, includes paying the bands that participate as well as Santa, trophies and awards.
Anything above the parade expenses get pumped back into downtown Mount Vernon through the HCA.
In addition, guests took part in a silent auction before the live auction and took the opportunity to start outbidding each other during a social hour. Items included in the silent auction were:
•A one-night stay at the Russell Cooper House, donated by Lynne and Andrew Ricard.
•Starbucks Gift Basket donated by CES Credit Union.
•Dickens Village Big Ben belonging to Ruth Bemis, donated by Little Chihuahua.
•A one-year subscription to the Mount Vernon News, donated by the News.
•An historical collection of Looking Glasses and historical editions of the News, donated by the News.
•Star Performa Laundry Detergent, donated by Phil Herald/Herald’s Appliances and Electronics.
•Old Bushmills Irish Whiskey Wood Sign donated by Steve Bishop/Little Chihuahua.
•Wine and Gift Basket donated by Dennis & Schisler/Dee Allerding.
•Autumn Colors Holiday decoration donated by Ann Laudeman.
•Pamper Yourself Basket donated by Sips.
•Snyder of Hanover Basket donated by Mike Hilliar.
“Items were donated by (HCA) members of the board. We did have some general members who made donations,” Ricard said. “This is a great way for some of our merchants who can’t afford to bid during the auction to get involved and help out.”
Auctioneer Sam McQueen kept the auction lively and moving quickly as he took control of the pace and the crowd, especially when there was a reluctance to bid.
“Let me slow down,” McQueen said. “I’m either talking too fast or you are listening too slow.”
Newcomers to the parade auction, Steve and Leann Hill, were happy to get involved, help the community and thank area citizens who have been customers of the couple over the years.
“I bid on the Senior Adult Entry because I wanted to honor and pay back a lot of our customers, especially the population of 55-plus,” Steve said. “Besides, there is no greater way to experience Mount Vernon than the Christmas Parade.”
The Hills are the owners of Tim Hortons and previously operated other fast-food restaurants in and outside of Knox County.
Winning bids were:
Walking Entry, $200, Duke’s Quick Lube and Modern Builders.
Animal Entry, $200, CES Credit Union.
Business Entry, $325, First-Knox National Bank.
Humorous Entry, $175, Peoples Bank and Secret Closet.
Humorous Entry Walking, $200, Dumbaugh Insurance.
Religious Entry, $225, Ann Laudeman and Real Living.
Senior Adult Entry, $200, Tim Hortons.
Youth Entry, $250, Mrs. Fred Barry Jr. and Barbara Barry.
Classic Auto Entry, $250, John & Debbie Urton.
School Entry, $475, Central Ohio Technical College and Kahrl & Co.
Horse-Drawn Entry, $200, Mount Vernon News.
Equestrian Entry, $200, Mount Vernon News.
Pony-Drawn, $250, CES Credit Union.
Antique Implement, $225, John & Debbie Urton.
Emergency Vehicle Entry, $225, Mount Vernon News.
Organizational Entry, $450, Dennis & Schisler, Mount Vernon & Knox County Chamber of Commerce, Herald’s Appliances and Electronics.
Best Parade Theme Entry, $650, First-Knox National Bank.
Best Motorcycle Entry, $250, Parkside Restaurant
Dan Emmett Best Overall, $300, Knox Community Hospital
The 2008 Christmas Parade, with Larry L. Hall serving as grand marshal, is Saturday, Nov. 29. Entry deadline is Nov. 19.
