Parade of thanks

EDITOR:

The Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Authority would like to thank all of the participants who made the 2009 Parade of Lights such a great event this year. Our event sponsors included the Town of Minden, The Record-Courier, Accolades Trophies and Carson Valley Country Club.

Ms. Jeanne Mulreany, who with husband Patrick was the founder of the Carson Valley Inn, was the grand marshall. She rode in a 1968 Firebird provided by Bill Sugden. Traffic control was provided by the Nevada Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff, Douglas County Search and Rescue and the Town of Minden. The Town of Minden also provided the ride for Santa and family in an antique fire truck driven by Town of Minden's Rick Humphrey.

Parade planning is done by the chamber's ambassador committee. The parade would absolutely not happen without the expertise of Sendi Stockle and Tom Brooks who coordinate the staging of the floats and participants. Commissioners David Brady and Mike Olson and CV Chamber Board of Directors members Steve Weissinger and Tim Ghan took on the difficult job of parade judges, and of course, as it has been for years, announcers at the parade's end were Jessica Jensen and Lloyd Higuera.

Those that lit up the night were the Douglas High Band, Douglas High Jr. ROTC, Sheriff's Department Explorer Post Color Guard, the DARE and GREAT cars, Austin's House, GE Energy, Thrivent, Dresslerville Community Council Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California, Town of Minden, Carson Valley Falcons, High Sierra Fellowship Youth Group, Sweetwater Glass Company, John Moss Construction, Kids' Fishing Derby, ASJ Small Engines, Valley Cruisers, Douglas County 4-H, The Record-Courier, United Methodist Church, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Chappell Ranch, Carson Valley Medical Center, Welcomes' Auto Body, Action Mobile Mix, Calvary Chapel of Carson Valley, Builder's Wholesale, Dr. James the Dentist, Pacific Auto Appraisers, Stor-All, Ho Ho Hogs, Joe Benigno's Tree Service, Killer Salsa, Silver State Towing, Friends of Joey, and of course Mr. and Mrs. Claus with one of the elves.

Our thanks to all of them and to those who lined the street from Gardnerville to Minden to enjoy the parade.

Sheila Byington

Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce

& Visitors Authority