Jay Christmas Parade/Joy in Jay (With Photo Gallery)
Saturday-The Town of Jay held their annual Christmas Parade and Joy in Jay Festival on Commerce Street.
“The Joy in Jay Committee is excited for what we believe is the best year yet for the Joy in Jay Festival. The addition of generous donors and additional volunteers enable us to plan bigger and better each year,” Town Councilwoman Nina Hendricks stated.
“The Reindeer Run was an excellent and well received beginning to the day. Our vendors grew to 43 this year. We hope to incorporate options we haven’t been able to provide next year. We saw a lot of smiles and active children enjoying time with families, which delighted us all,” Hendricks continued. “I can’t wait until next year!
The day started earlier with a 2 Mile Reindeer Run at 8am. 62 walkers/runners started (and finished) in the first year of the hopefully soon-to-be annual event. “You wonder when doing a special event for the first time, if it will be a success. The first Reindeer Run was a success,” stated director of the event Matt Dosbson. Fees were $20 and each participant received a t-shirt and medallion. “Registration fees covered the race expenses—t-shirts, medals! And everybody had a great time. Thank you to all who participated. And to Amanda DeGraff and Roger Dobson for race day management and assistance! Let’s do it again!”
Participants of the Reindeer Run had over an hour to get set for the annual Christmas Parade, which started at 10am, then all were welcomed to a winter wonderland on Commerce Street where almost 50 vendors awaited parade goers. Everything from inflatables to carnival rides to carolers could be found. Food was aplenty as well. Cupcakes, cake auctions, footlong corn dogs, and of course cotton candy and popcorn were all available. Handmade crafts were also sold.
