Coppell holiday parade one of the biggest to date

One Cub Scout and one Girl Scout Troop won awards for best floats.

COPPELL — Several thousand people lined Samuel Boulevard and Parkway Boulevard Saturday night to see one of Coppell's largest and best parades ever.

Kami McGee, special events coordinator for the city of Coppell, said, “The 2012 lighted parade and tree lighting ceremony was one the largest holiday events we have seen. It was surreal to see the community come together to celebrate and kick off the Holiday season in Coppell.”

She added, “We had a fantastic time and could not have asked for better weather. It is so rewarding to be a part of such an amazing community.”

Mayor Karen Hunt also praised the event.

“What a great community event to start the celebration of the holiday season,” she said. “The floats were all great. People were creative and used tons of lights. That made the selection of a winner very difficult. Families enjoyed that the weather cooperated this year and turnout was awesome.”

The 350-member award-winning Coppell High School band led the parade with powerful renditions of “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells.” The Lariettes followed with happy smiles and a joyful performance.

Then came the floats, each of which had at least 200 lights each, in a very wide variety of creations noting the season of the year.

Judging had taken place just before the parade began, at the starting point at Samuel Boulevard and Sandy Lake Road.

The float carrying members of Cub Scout Pack 820 was named Best Decorated and the float by Girl Scout Troop 1662 was named Most Spirited: Best Use of the 'A Parade of Trees' Theme.

Following the parade, many who had watched the parade also watched the tree lighting ceremony and then went to Coppell Town Plaza where they were entertained with live music and enjoyed numerous types of food and drinks offered by local businesses.

Also, inside Coppell Town Center, children were given the opportunity to be photographed while visiting with Santa.