- [Announcer] WCTE's coverage of the Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas Parade is brought to you by WIN Home Inspection, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union, Putnam County, and by Honey Baked Ham.

(lively Christmas music) - Welcome to the 56th Annual Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas Parade, presented by the Cookeville Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.

And I'm Avery Hutchins.

- And I'm Mark Hutchins.

I'm so excited and we're excited to be here to bring with you this year's Putnam County Christmas Parade - And this year's parade theme is, "In AWE of Christmas," and we are celebrating the awe of Christmas with this year's Grand Marshal.

Our very own, Awesome Eagle, the TTU mascot.

- You know, Avery, some people may not know that the original Christmas parade in Putnam County started about 1967, when several community members went to my friend Eldon Leslie, who was then president of the Chamber of Commerce and said, "We need a town Christmas parade."

And Eldon in his foresight said, "Yes, we do," gathered the staff and made it happen.

So now what we're gonna see 56 years later, is that work that happened in 1967, - It's pretty incredible, 56 years, that's a lot to celebrate.

- Yes it is.

- Yes.

And we want to recognize our broadcast sponsors tonight by recognizing Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Greg Johns, WIN Home Inspection, Honey Baked Ham, which is under new management, April, Brandon and daughter, Laura Lee Cooper, are now running that.

David Robbins, with Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union.

And we also wanna thank Cookeville, or the Putnam County Services for what they've done to help us get ready today.

- You know, it takes a lot of work.

I was on the Christmas Parade Committee for about 10 years and this is, it takes the work of so, so many we wouldn't even have time to mention all of 'em.

So, but tonight's parade also includes presenting sponsors, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury of Cookeville and Life Church and a special thanks to the Grand Marshal sponsor, the River Community Church.

- Last but certainly not least, we want to thank our two sponsors of Santa, Rogers Group and Thompson Cat Machinery.

- Can't not have a parade without Santa.

- I know, we're gonna have a great time tonight, you all.

I hope you stay with us.

We've got a special appearance from the Stevens Street Baptist Chorus Group, so we're super excited about that.

So thank you for joining us tonight.

We've got a great show coming up and right now I think we're gonna hear from a few of our sponsors.

- Hello, thanks for watching tonight's broadcast of the 2023 Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas Parade.

I'm Tiffany McDonald, manager of corporate relations for WCTE PBS, and I wanted to take a moment to thank our broadcast sponsors who include Honey Baked Ham, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union, WIN Home Inspections, and Putnam County.

We'll be joined by several of our broadcast sponsors tonight, but our friends at Honey Baked Hams couldn't make it.

They're already very busy preparing for holiday events.

If you haven't heard, Honey Baked Hams is now under new ownership.

Our friends, Brandon, April, and Lorelei Cooper, are so happy to be able to serve our community and help you prepare for your holiday events.

You can find them located at the corner of Willow and Jackson.

Also, my friend David Robbins of Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union is unable to stop by this evening.

Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union will be opening a new branch on Interstate Drive next summer.

He would like to wish each of you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

I'm here with my friend Hannah Davis, marketing communications director for Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

Hello, Hannah.

- Hey, how are you?

- Great.

Thank you for stopping by.

- Thank you for having us.

- Yes, we're so excited that Hannah's always a yes-woman to anything that we ask her for at WCTE.

I've been lucky enough to work with Hannah for years across the board, so we're real thankful to have her and she's such an asset to our community and Cookeville Regional.

So, Hannah, do you guys have anything special this year that you're doing for patients and staff at the hospital?

- We love to decorate the hospital up for Christmas.

We also welcome in many groups as they request to come in and sing for our patients in the main lobby.

We have wonderful donations that come in that we can bless our patients here with us over the holidays with.

So we have a lot of wonderful things happening 'cause we want our patients to feel the Christmas spirit while they're with us.

- Absolutely, that's so wonderful.

And part of why we do what we do here, and Hannah is such a supporter and the hospital is such a supporter of our broadcast, is so people who can't make it to the parade or to events still get to enjoy them and still get to see the festivities throughout our community.

So I know that you actually have been in many parades, right?

- Yes, so I was in Girl Scout.

I know it's crazy, but I was in Girl Scouts for a very long time and we walked in the Christmas parade many years.

And it's some of the best memories, building the float and getting that community around you and then going and being a part of your community, so it's a fun time.

You forget about the cold whenever you're out there, it's fun.

- Oh, I know, it is.

It's such a fun, and you walk such a long distance- - Yes.

- You're gonna stay warm anyway.

Well Hannah, thank you so much for coming by.

- Thank you for having us.

- Thank you for being a broadcast sponsor.

We'll be right back.

- Well we are back and it is always great to have sponsors at the parade.

- Yes, it is.

- We couldn't do it without it.

And again, if you're just joining us, we are live here in the Cookeville Square and we're celebrating the 56th Annual Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas Parade.

And it's just a beautiful night to be out here.

- It really is.

I think we thought it was gonna be a little bit colder, but it's cool.

- What do do you mean, it's freezing out here!

No, we're having a really good time.

- Not too bad, not too bad.

- That's right.

- That's right.

We are gonna be joining the parade live as soon as they start around the corner.

But in the meantime we have some carolers out here from the Stevens Street Baptist Church, just volunteering their time, sending us a little cheer.

- They are, they are now.

And what we can see, the crowds are starting to gather.

I see, I see a lot of kids across the street getting ready for the floats and probably, primarily for Santa Claus.

- To me this is the kickoff of really Christmas, to me.

- Yeah, me too.

- The Christmas season is when we get ready for, we have this parade, and we can see all the fun festivities.

- That's exactly right, it's exactly right.

- If it would just snow, we'd be okay.

- And it has snowed before on this parade, so yeah.

- Well I'm, thank you for joining us.

Again, you're watching WCTE, I'm Avery Hutchins- - And I'm Mark Hutchins, here.

- And Mark Hutchins with me.

Thank you for being here with us tonight.

♪ Joy to the world the Lord is come ♪ ♪ Let earth receive her king ♪ Let every heart prepare Him room ♪ ♪ And heaven and nature sing and heaven and nature sing ♪ ♪ And heaven and heaven and nature sing ♪ ♪ No more let sins and sorrows grow ♪ ♪ Nor thorns infest the ground ♪ He comes to make His blessings flow ♪ ♪ Far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found ♪ ♪ Far as, far as the curse is found ♪ - Greg Johns of Win Home Inspections.

Greg, thank you so much for stopping by tonight.

- You're absolutely welcome, I'm happy to do so.

- Oh, I'm so glad.

So Greg is such a great supporter of WCTE, whether it's a Christmas parade, the auction, the Haunted Half, why is it important for you to support WCTE?

- Well, growing up I watched a lot of PBS where I lived.

I really appreciate the cartoons for our kids.

I appreciated the cartoons when I was a kid.

There's a lot of great programming for free, and once upon a time when you couldn't stream everything, you had to get, over the air, and PBS was always over the air and it's just, the educational content is wonderful for free access, for the public, so.

- Absolutely, do you have a favorite show, what was your childhood favorite show?

- Oh, I mean I liked "Arthur" a lot, with the kids, "Nature Cat."

- Oh yeah.

- A more modern one.

They also really like "Rosie's Rules."

- Of course.

- So I watch a reasonable amount of that.

I mean, I probably know more than I should, as a dad, as an adult, so.

- Absolutely, well we appreciate that.

Thank you for watching.

And also, so this time of year, do you have any special traditions that you do with your kids at home?

- So our kids are young, they're six and four and my mom passed this year and we took all of her Christmas stuff.

She was a huge believer in Christmas.

So this is the first year where our entire yard is decked out.

Our inside looks like the most kitschy kind of Gatlinburg Santa Mall you could come across.

But you know, the kids really love it.

And to see that wonder in their eyes, it reminds me of my mom and it just makes my wife and me both really happy, so.

- That's wonderful, thank you so much for sharing that.

- Absolutely.

- And thank you so much for being a sponsor.

So if any of our viewers would like to contact you, how can they do so?

- Anyone that's looking to contact us can reach out to (931) 520-0509, or they can go to cookville.wini.com.

- Perfect, well, again, thank you so much for being a sponsor.

We'll be right back.

♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪ O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem ♪ - We are excited to have the parade here broadcasting live at WCTE.

We are gonna be rebroadcasting the parade around Christmas time, so you can find it on December the 21st, December the 24th, December the 25th and 26th.

And if you didn't catch all of that, of course, check your local listing.

But we are gonna be rebroadcasting the parade that you're gonna see tonight.

So make sure to catch that or let anybody know that it's out there.

Okay, so here we are, we're gonna kick off this 56th annual Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas Parade and we welcome the law enforcements that are led by Sheriff Eddie Farris.

Here are some of our local law enforcement members to lead off the parade.

Let's take a moment to thank all of our Cookeville Police Department officers, Putnam County Sheriff's Department deputies and reserve members, and even the Tennessee Highway Patrol, for all that they do to help make the parade safe and fun for everyone.

These men and women work hard every day, not just during the parade.

- [Mark] So the Putnam County Sheriff's Department is represented by Deputy Jake Short, Deputy Sergeant Jake Short, in a marked patrol car, Deputy Sergeants Gary Davis, Jordan Harris, Sam Carpenter, and Sergeant Chris Ely, all on the motorcycles.

And as you can see, they have a lot of fun on those when they're able to not be on patrol and do fun things for the community.

(siren blaring) - [Avery] And they have to have the sirens.

- [Mark] They have, well, yeah, yes, of course.

- [Avery] It's kinda like the boys and their fun toys.

- [Mark] Boys and toys, that's right, yes, yes.

That's exactly right.

This is the fun stuff for 'em, I believe, so- - [Avery] That's right, that's right.

- [Mark] That's right, so.

- [Avery] That's right, and if you're just now joining us, we are broadcasting from the Cookeville-Putnam County Square 56th Annual Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas Parade.

- [Mark] Sheriff Farris has given us a wave at the moment.

- [Avery] Yes.

- [Mark] While it might be fun, I doubt we see them doing circles like the motorcycles.

- [Avery] I don't think they're doing any circles.

- [Mark] No, that's right, that's exactly right, so.

I think now we see the Tennessee Tech cheerleading and dance teams and they're carrying a banner.

Their sponsor tonight, well, no, let's just talk about who we have with us.

I've got Leah Huff and Katie Hale, and JoElla Morris, Ashlyn Warren, Bella Gresham, and the cheerleaders at Tennessee Tech and the dancers are all members of the Tennessee Tech Athletic Department and are engaged actively in all athletic events, volunteering in the community, and competing even, nationally every year, representing the university.

So these Spirit Squad members really enjoy raising the spirit for Tennessee Tech fans all year.

- [Avery] And now the Grand Marshal, the Tennessee Tech's Awesome Eagle.

Maybe he'll stop and give us a wave.

There he is.

To start off our parade, we have our 2023 Grand Marshal Awesome Eagle, riding along with Phil Oldham, president of Tennessee Tech University, and chief of staff, Lee Wray.

Awesome Eagle is the official mascot of Tennessee Tech, and can be seen all around campus in the Cookeville community spreading Golden Eagle pride.

- [Mark] Next we've got the Rogers Group.

We're so proud to have them in our community rocking around the Christmas tree.

The Rogers Group proudly serves the Upper Cumberland for all construction needs for more than 35 years.

And they wish everyone a merry Christmas Rogers Group is a construction material supply company with rock quarries throughout the Upper Cumberland, along with base and pave divisions and other site work divisions.

- [Avery] Another icon in our community coming up, is the Putnam County Mayor, Randy Porter.

"And what an awesome community we live in "and get to call our home," says Randy Porter, "Putnam County is growing, but may we never lose "our small town feel."

They hope that they can get to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy this holiday season.

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter and Cookeville mayor, Laurin Wheaton wishes everyone a merry Christmas, and a happy New Year - [Mark] And their float's one of your favorite things, the gingerbread house.

- [Avery] I love the gingerbread house.

- [Mark] Gingerbread house.

- [Avery] So fun.

- [Mark] No, behind our, behind our gingerbread house, are the Capshaw Jump Rope team.

The jump rope team at Capshaw is in its 36th season, and is always excited to entertain everyone they're in front of.

So the team's made up of fourth graders from Capshaw Elementary School and is coached by a physical education teacher, Amy Underwood.

So there they, look at 'em, go.

- [Avery] They perform throughout the year, their jump rope skills and it's just a great way to get physically active and have some fun.

I can remember doing jump ropes.

- [Mark] I did jump rope too, I might need to check my health insurance before I did it again, so.

- [Avery] And this float is the Putnam County Clerk, Wayne Nabors.

Mr. Wayne Nabors has been blessed to be the county clerk now, for 21 years.

From Wayne Nabors and all the staff of the country clerk's office, a merry Christmas and have a blessed holiday.

- [Mark] And following Wayne, we have the Little Miss MHS 2023 Madilyn Rittenberry, with Miss Fabulous Viviana Ramirez, all the way from Monterey.

- [Avery] Now we have the Putnam County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, walking in a winter wonderland.

Shake a snow globe and see the joy in a child's eyes as a snowy wonderful comes to life.

In the moment you are seeing it again for the first time as well, may the spirit of Christmas surround you like snow in a globe.

Merry Christmas from Jennifer Wilkerson and the clerks, Putnam County Court Circuit.

- [Mark] And following them is our register of deeds for Putnam County, John Sanders.

John and his staff want to wish all peace, health, happiness, and prosperity in this coming year.

- [Avery] And following the Putnam County Register of Deeds is the Miss Fabulous pageant.

I can see them coming down the road now.

The Miss Fabulous float is featuring some of this year's Miss Fabulous contestants.

The pageant was held this year at the Cookeville Chamber Community Community Center on November the 11th.

The pageant was established in 2011 by our local Madison Hill Moody.

This is Miss Fabulous' 11th year being in the parade.

We'd like to thank everyone that supports the pageant each year.

The Miss Fabulous contestants would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas.

They are in awe of our Christmas beauty and how much happiness it brings to all of us.

They are enjoying their giant snow globe and ski mountain.

May you all be blessed by the true meaning of Christmas.

But we do wanna welcome the broadcast to the 56th Annual Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas parade, and we are in progress.

But you haven't missed a whole lot, - [Mark] So we, hopefully you're able to see all this.

We just had pelican snowballs go by and now we've got one of my favorites, the Tennessee Tech Athletes.

They have a wings up Christmas and of course the Athletic Department at Tennessee Tech has over 320 student athletes, coaches and staff, and headed by our good friend, Mark Wilson.

So I think we wanna give also a huge welcome to the new football coach Bobby Wilder, who we met this weekend.

And as he walks along with all of the athletes and athletes expect, the athletic department I guess, expects all Tennessee Tech athletes to take advantage of opportunities to receive valuable top-notch educations while they're here, and they also expect them to participate in the community and not just in the athletic program that they're in.

So, the goal is to provide student-athletes with the resources necessary to compete and to compete to the full extent of their ability and enjoy each aspect of their collegiate experience.

- [Avery] We have another great quote coming up.

How beautiful the Wilson Bank and Trust, strives to meet the needs of the community while providing excellent customer service with hometown feel.

Merry Christmas from your family at Wilson Bank.

- [Mark] Following them we have the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Division of Forestry and Smokey the Bear.

Smokey Bear, I think it's Smokey Bear, not Smokey the Bear, because I grew up calling the bear.

But it is Smokey, and there he is.

And merry Christmas from the Division of Forestry for the State of Tennessee.

Remember, only you can prevent forest fires.

- [Avery] Adventure Gym is next on the parade route.

A Christmas adventure, "Find a magical Christmas adventure "in an adventure gym," it says "Watch little explorers conquer snowy peaks, "build snowmen, and find endless adventures in learning."

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy holidays.

- [Mark] And Avery, I've been excited to see this one, this one's called Santa's off-Road workshop.

Apebuilt.com is a veteran-owned small business, right here in the heart of Cookeville building high-performance, off-road vehicles.

The theme this year is Santa's Garage.

And it looks like they're fixing up one of Santa's favorite old sleighs now.

So they want to wish everyone a wheelie, wheelie get that, wheelie merry Christmas - [Avery] Aspen Contracting Inc. is up next.

It's a national company with a local focus.

Aspen Contracting believes in doing the right thing through the highest standards and integrity and that has helped Aspen Contracting to become a leader in today's industry.

Aspen Contracting Inc., offers roofing, siding and gutters.

- [Mark] And right behind them we have Cookeville Nazarene Church, and they're showing how the Grinch found Christmas.

Cindy Lou who tells the Grinch the story of the nativity of the church Whobilation.

So look at, look you can see the members of Whoville learning about that.

Oh, there's the Grinch, right there.

- [Avery] Giving us a big wave.

Cookeville High School men's Lacrosse team is next.

Cookeville High School Men's Lacrosse team at CHS is entering its 21 years with head coach, Elliot Woods, assistant coach Matt Snider, and Assistant Coach Gleasman.

The team was undefeated last year in their district and are looking forward to another successful year, as the Cookeville High School Lacrosse season starts the third week in February, with a home game.

Go Cavs.

- [Mark] Following Lacrosse, we've got the Tennessee Nurse's Honor Guard, the Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard was founded two years ago to pay honor to fallen nurse colleagues.

Today they are in complete Nightingale attire.

The Honor Guard family would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and all children are excited to look at the Wish Book and pick out their list for Santa and they hope all children are blessed with that special gift on Christmas morning.

- [Avery] I remember the Wish Book.

- [Mark] Oh yes.

- [Avery] Putnam County School's electric school bus.

The Putnam County School Transportation is proud to present our new electric school bus.

Putnam County was their first county in the nation to receive two electric buses through the EPA grant that was made possible through the help of the Cumberland IC bus.

They are learning every day about the future of school transportation.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year from Putnam County School Transportation.

- [Mark] Following the bus we've got Tennessee Side by Side.

It's a locally run Side by Side Club, but tonight they are led by the Hulk and She Hulk buggies.

The club organizes events throughout the state and they would love to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Looks like behind the Side by Side, we have Vanderbilt LifeFlight being represented.

The LifeFlight-7 medical helicopter's service base is here in the city of Cookeville, and they wish everyone a merry Christmas and are proud to serve this community since 2016.

(lively music) Always a crowd favorite, our next group is the Al Menah Shriners, the Shriners Hospital helping children, and our Shriners here, help our 22 Shriners Children's hospitals for burn and orthopedic care across the U.S. and Mexico at no cost to families.

Legion of Honor, Divas, Clowns, Greeters, Motor Corp, and many other local clubs do so much to help children all across this country.

- [Avery] I always thought it would be fun to ride around in those little clown cars.

- [Mark] I think it would be, too.

- [Avery] Oh, that one just exploded.

- [Mark] Yeah, makes the crowd scream, so.

- [Avery] I love it.

- [Mark] I have to get, oh, they're shooting confetti.

That's awesome, that's awesome.

I have to give a little shout-out to our good friend Don Gorbandt, who's one of the chief fundraisers for Shriners Hospital.

They do so many good things that we learn about throughout the year.

- [Avery] And now we have the Mid-10 Jeep Club.

Welcome to Mid-Jeepville, Middle 10 Jeeps want to wish everyone a merry Christmas.

Cookeville's first local Jeep Club led by President, Darien Bohannon and Vice President, Jason Bohannon.

From the oldest of Jeep enthusiasts to the youngest of Jeep enthusiasts, Middle 10 Jeeps has something for everyone.

Tonight's banners are sponsored by Nelson's Trophy, located in Algood, for all your trophy and screen printing needs.

Alright, here's a really special one that we had an experience with this year.

The Lazy G Ranch, awesome.

- [Mark] Avian Prairie Christmas, yep.

- [Avery] Lazy G Bison Ranch hosted school tours, group tours, and has a gift shop with bison meat and bison toys.

They're open till Christmas, December the 24th, just in case.

And the Lazy G Bison Ranch is located on Dodson Branch here in Cookeville, and is open to the public Thursday through Friday, 11 to six.

But certainly check out their website, and WCTE had a great experience with Lazy G, this last year with a donor event, we were able to get out and meet the buffalo.

- [Mark] That's right, feed the buffalo.

- [Avery] Feed the buffalo, be licked by the buffalo, as they say.

But just really, Ken Burns did a great documentary on American Buffalo and it really, if you get a chance to see that, it's incredible.

- [Mark] And you know, we, we have to thank the Gaw family for all that they're doing to help propagate new herds of Buffalo all across the country.

Some really exciting work that they're doing.

- [Avery] Absolutely, and what a beautiful float they have.

They've really outdone themselves.

- [Mark] Oh, that's awesome.

Following the Lazy G, we've got Vol State Community College, pioneering the Vol State way.

Step into a winter wonderland with Volunteer State Community Colleges, pioneering the Vol State way.

It combines the charm of the frontier with the magic of the holiday season.

This float represents the pioneering spirit of the community college and pride in our hearts.

- [Avery] Next we have the Don Kyle Tiding of Joy in the Upper Cumberland vintage little red ATC Honda, pulling a red trailer made from an old riding lawn mower from Don Kyle.

- [Mark] That's pretty creative.

Following Don, we've got the Cookeville Toastmasters Club.

Cookeville Toastmasters want to wish everyone a merry Christmas with a toast to the holidays.

Cookeville Toastmasters chartered in 1965, meets at the Putnam County Library every second and fourth Tuesday at 6:15 PM.

Learn to lead and speak with confidence and style, just like that classic Corvette.

That Corvette's being driven by District 63, director, Matti Foster, of the Toastmasters.

- [Avery] It's a beautiful car.

- [Mark] It's great, - [Avery] Good color.

Up next we have the Rick's House Washing.

(lively Christmas music) Rudolph and friends house washing.

Rick and his family will come to your home and wash your house, making it look brand new.

Rick's Pro House Washing wants to wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

- [Mark] Right behind that we have Biomat USA, and it's Old Fashioned Mountain Christmas.

It's Christmas time down South with the Biomat Plasma.

The family is gathered around the fireplace while the Christmas tree is being decorated for the holiday season.

Biomat USA wants to wish everyone a merry Christmas from their family to yours.

There's your snow.

You wanted some snow, they've got snow.

- [Avery] Here comes the Upper Cumberland Tree Toppers, RC Flying Club, with Fly Home for the Holidays.

They fly at the club airfield located near Highway 111 and I-40 in Cookeville.

Have you ever wanted to fly?

- [Mark] Yes I have.

- [Avery] The club will teach you.

Find us at treetopperrc.com.

This hobby is way more fun than video games.

- [Mark] Following them, we've got Septic Pros, plunging around the Christmas tree.

I love it, I love it.

The Septic Pros have decorated a 10-foot tall plunger, pulled by a 2,500 gallon Freightliner pump truck.

And they want to wish everyone a merry Christmas.

Good to see the Grinch in some honest work.

- [Avery] That's right, yeah.

Up next we have Henry Brothers Roofing.

Henry Brothers, serving the entire Upper Cumberland, since 2020.

Locally owned by two brothers, Chris and Gary, from the Cookeville area.

Roofing services include metal and shingle roofing, and you don't have to pay till the job is complete.

- [Mark] Excellent.

- [Avery] And, and don't forget to eat at the Doodle, now owned by the Henry Brothers Roofing.

- [Mark] That's great.

- [Avery] They wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

- [Mark] Now we get to see Skender-Newton Realty.

Skender-Newton Realty is excited to invite you to discover the magical world of home ownership with our dream home collection.

They believe that every adventure begins with a dream and they're here to make sure those dreams become reality.

More than a real estate company, they're a community of dream enablers and success seekers.

- [Avery] Up next we have the Kayaking Adventures of Tennessee, the KAT crew, Eddie and Tara, wish you all a very joyful Christmas season and they hope that you enjoy the pink display, both on and off the water as they head to Burgess Falls for a day full of guided kayaking fun.

May your holiday season be colorful, and full of holiday spirit.

- [Mark] You know, I drove across going to Nashville the other day and it was cold, and there were kayakers on the river, so.

- [Avery] Bundle up!

- [Mark] No kidding, no kidding.

Next up we have the Mountaintop Candle Shop.

Get Yeti for Christmas.

Yeti or not, here comes Christmas.

The Mountaintop Candle Shop is sleighing this year's parade in their Candle Cruiser with Bumble, the Friendly Yeti.

Wishing you a scent-sational season, filled with joy, laughter, and magical moments.

Happy holidays from Mountaintop Candle Shop.

- [Avery] Here are some of Santa's little helpers from Helping Hands of Putnam County.

These elves are board members and volunteers at Helping Hands and are following along with their refrigerated delivery truck.

Helping Hands wishes you a very merry Christmas.

- [Mark] Next up we have Bondi Bowls, bringing the beach vibes to you this Christmas.

It's Bondi Bowls food truck, driven by Bondi's favorite elf, Jordan, and accompanied by the whole family.

And they wish everyone in Putnam County a very merry Christmas.

- [Avery] Cookeville Corvette Club is up next.

Living the American Dream is a motto for these Corvette enthusiasts, sponsored by Judd Properties with Corvette Club President Scott Lytal, they were founded in 1984.

And this makes the Corvette Club the second oldest car club in Cookeville.

This is a busy time of the year for the Corvette Club.

I think they go in to all the parades, yes.

- [Mark] All the parades, I think you're right, you're right.

- [Avery] It's opportunity for them to show off their cars.

- [Mark] That's exactly right.

Well when you got a car like that, you ought to show it off.

- [Avery] Yeah.

- [Mark] Right behind them we have Smyrna Ready Mix, Concrete Plant Number 35 of Cookeville.

Merry mixing Christmas from Plant 35 in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Smyrna Ready Mix is a family-owned and operated ready mix company founded by Melissa and Mike Hollingshead in 1999.

Their mission is to provide every customer with quality concrete and unmatched surface.

The dedication, determination, and hard work from an outstanding group of mixer/operators and plant managers has driven the business growth, and has allowed Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete to supply concrete to many businesses and customers throughout 19 states in the U.S. Merry Christmas to all from Smyrna Ready Mix.

(horn honking) - [Avery] We wanna also recognize next, the Cookeville High School Presents Special Red Rider.

The special population of students from CHS wishes you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

This is the Cookeville High School CDC class.

- [Mark] I had a Radio Flyer wagon as a kid.

I wish I still had it.

- [Avery] I think everybody did.

- [Mark] Yeah, you think everybody had one, that's right, yeah.

- [Avery] What a fun float.

- [Mark] That's great.

Next up we have the Putnam County Fair Royalty.

This is their sixth time being in the parade.

Tradition lives on with Christmas at the Putnam County Fair, and our fairest of the fair, Kayla Mick and the fair royalty, wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Kayla is getting ready to compete in the state pageant in January, where she hopes to win Tennessee's Fairest of the Fair.

- [Avery] What a fantastic opportunity.

- [Mark] We wish her the best of luck with that.

- [Avery] The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, wishing everybody happy holidays from the Upper Cumberland region of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.

TSPN would like to thank you for your support and to remind you that help is always available.

- [Mark] And now we get to see Take Flight Dog Training, Cookeville's 2023 Best Dog Trainers specializing in human training so you and your dog can rise above your goals.

(horn honking) - Major Mike Shipley Spay and Neuter Clinic, Jingle Bells are for Christmas.

The Major Mike Shipley Spay and Neuter Clinic, a project of Wags and Whiskers, wants to wish you a very merry Christmas, encourages you all to spay and neuter your pets.

- [Mark] And following them Brown's Recycling wants to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.

The recycling family of Browns would love to share the holiday spirit with all the surrounding families and thank Middle Tennessee for supporting their local business.

(lively Christmas music) - [Avery] East Side Service and Performance would like to thank all of our service friends and family this season and hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

- [Mark] Looks like, right behind them, we've got Meadows Homes.

Since 1983, Meadows Homes has been helping families achieve home ownership.

Merry Christmas from Meadows Homes.

- [Avery] There's Another float for Meadows Homes.

Got some reindeer on there.

(horn honking) (lively Christmas music) - [Mark] You know, I've been excited to see this one after I read that they were gonna be in it, the Mini Miss Cookeville, Kalyn Mae Bowman, won the title of 2023 Miss Mini Cookeville Christmas and also is the Prettiest Smile in her age group.

Kalyn is the one-year-old daughter of Justin and Elana Bowman, and she's excited to be representing Cookeville and wish everyone a merry Christmas.

And as a side note, her mom, being a great softball player and friend of our daughter's, is also is a big pageant winner, so.

- [Avery] And here we have, Miss Royal Elegance Pageant Company, is an annual scholarship pageant held in January.

The director is Leah Norris.

Laura is riding on this float with her two children, Peyton and Bria, along with the 2023 Queens and King, Lyndon Hill, Braxlyn Rigsby, Savannah Zacker, Karli Brown, Carson Kerley, Kinsley Taylor, Bella Stevens, Braylin Tilson, Sunday Gear, I'm probably missing 'em, Tabitha, I think they've all moved on, but what a great float that was.

- [Mark] It looks like next up we've got Jeremy Jackson, in loving lovely memory of his dad, grandmother and grandfather and to all of his loved ones and family and friends that have gone home to be in heaven with the Lord.

(lively Christmas music) - [Avery] Empire Elite Athletes is a Cheerful Christmas.

The royal family at Empire Elite Athletes wants to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas season, filled with love, family and cheer.

Owner and head coach Alyssa Carver, is wearing a purple Santa hat and proudly leading their elite all-star cheerleader team into a second season.

- [Mark] Next we've got the Real Estate Collective, a team of experienced, licensed real estate agents, serving the entire Upper Cumberland region with specialty divisions and auctions in land and farm.

Located at 20 West Broad Street in Cookeville, and 23 North Spring Street in Sparta, the RECO team is ready to serve you.

(Christmas music) - [Avery] Infinity Pharmacy is up next.

Everyone loves Santa's little helpers, and Infinity Pharmity, I can't even say it.

- [Mark] I think pharmacy.

- [Avery] My lips are freezing.

- [Mark] That's right.

- [Avery] At Infinity Pharmacy, they want to wish you all a very merry Christmas for bringing snow to the Upper Cumberland.

Their elves are accompanying the miniature lit-up car, replacing Santa's sleigh.

- [Mark] Next up we have Thunderhawk Canine, LLC, a pawfectly perfect Christmas.

Thunderhawk Canine's been serving the Upper Cumberland for almost 20 years, creating youth programs by donating time to 4-H and building therapy dog programs in the Cookeville region, and other smaller businesses.

Building your relationship at home.

I hope the crowd can hear, "Who Let the Dogs Out."

- [Avery] Yeah, right.

- [Mark] That's really good.

- [Avery] And right behind them is the Putnam County Democratic Party.

They're celebrating a blue Christmas this year.

They are showcasing their entertainment vehicle.

The neon lights, tropical scents, and steel drum sound takes you to a tropical escape from the hustle and bustle of the traditional Tennessee Christmas season.

- [Mark] Mele kalikimaka - [Avery] Thank you.

(both laughing) - [Mark] I was waiting to see if you were going there.

(lively Christmas music) - [Avery] Another fan-favorite, right behind them, the Kona Ice.

The Kona trucks aren't just trucks, you know, they're Kona entertainment vehicles.

It is perfectly described what they are all about.

Their Shaved Ice Trucks scream fun and excitement from the shiny chrome wheels to the colorful characters and the tropical steel drum that whisk you away to a tropical paradise.

Merry Christmas from Kona Ice.

- [Mark] Right behind Kona Ice, we have Scott Francis.

The Scott Francis family wishes everyone a merry Christmas and are happy to show off their 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Holiday Coupe.

What a great looking car.

- [Avery] And a great color for the Christmas.

- [Mark] No kidding, no kidding.

- [Avery] Oh and another big old fan-favorite.

- [Mark] One of my fan-favorites, I like this one.

- [Avery] Cookeville High School Marching Band.

Here comes a big treat.

Every good parade needs a good band, and here is a Cookeville High School Band, led by band director David Talbert, performing "Jingle" down Main Street.

Let's take a listen.

(band playing "Jingle Bells") (band playing "Deck the Halls") A lot of familiar faces.

- [Mark] I love the band, I do love it.

- [Avery] Up next we have Landers Trade.

Landers Trade is your home solution store in Monterey.

- [Mark] Coming up after that, we have the Cookeville Bicycle Co-op, a diverse group of people that enjoy cycling in Cookeville.

They love helping others get into cycling and promoting awareness.

They want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays.

- [Avery] Aaron Riddick, Epion IT is next.

Here we have a 1959 Triumph TR-3 Windup Car driven by Aaron Riddick, represented by Epion IT.

The Triumph is a British sports car originally manufactured in England.

The racer features 100 horsepower and originally sold for 950 pounds.

- [Mark] Next we have Green Lawn Care and Landscaping.

Green Lawn Care and Landscaping wants to wish everyone a celebration of Jesus's birthday.

This is a 13-foot mobile Christmas tree built on top of a zero-turn mower.

That's really creative.

- [Avery] Prescott South Middle Dance Team is up next, and they'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a safe holiday.

The dance team is made up of 13 dancers in grades fifth through eighth and is coached by Ella Clopton and Erika- - [Mark] Cervantes.

- [Avery] Cervantes.

For more information, the team competes in a regional national dance competitions and have won sixth and eighth place nationally, first and third regionally.

- [Mark] That's fantastic.

- [Avery] Congratulations.

- [Mark] Looks like they're gonna get to perform at a Vanderbilt Women's Basketball game on New Year's Eve, so that'll be a lot of fun for group.

- [Avery] What a fun experience.

- [Mark] Next you see Coit Cleaning and Restoration.

The crew at Coit Cleaning would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year, and they'd like to thank everyone for 27 great years of serving the Upper Cumberland.

Have a Coit-clean Christmas - [Avery] Falling Water Outdoor Service.

Let our lead engineers, Gunnar and Gordon Bussell and the Falling Water Express, keep your commercial and residential needs on the right track with the help of their magical team, no job is too big or too small.

And they specialize in making all their customers happy and merry.

Assisting Gunnar and Gordon and the Falling Water Express, are Pearson, Bowen, Ila, Kate, McClain, Caroline, Reese and Ashley, trying to get 'em all in there.

- [Mark] I tell you what, they're flying by, we just saw the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston, and they want to wish everybody a merry and bright Christmas.

And next up we've got the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Cookeville's Tennessee Department of Transportation wishes you and your family a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.

(horn honking) - [Avery] The Old Gray brings music of all kinds to the upper Cumberland from rock and roll at Rocktober to country at this year's White Pine Music Festival.

You can find more information about the 2024 music schedule at theoldgray.com.

(horn honking) - [Mark] Next we have Stover's Liquidation, the Stover's Family Christmas with your hometown anything and everything liquidation store.

Stover's has proudly served the Upper Cumberland for over 30 years.

They specialize in hardwood and vinyl flooring as well as tile and mosaics.

Visit in store or online, 'cause they are waiting for you.

Merry Christmas from their family to yours.

- [Avery] Now we see the Tallents Wrecker Service and their brand new 2024 Rollback.

Sandy and Brantley want to wish you a very merry Christmas For more towing needs, you can see them at 486 West End Street.

- [Mark] Coming up next, we've bet our friends from Twin Lakes, wishing you a holly jolly Christmas.

Twin Lakes would like to wish everyone the best of new years.

- [Avery] I think Santa's driving that Twin Lake car.

- [Mark] Oh my goodness, I think so.

- [Avery] Right behind them is the Avery Trace Middle School Dance Team and they wanna share the joys of dance and celebration with you this Christmas, and that they hope you have a wonderful dancing Christmas and a cheery new year.

- [Mark] And I think right before them, we've got Tri Star Truck and Trailer.

Slipped in there for us, how about that?

They're hauling Christmas.

look at 'em go.

- [Avery] They're keeping us on our toes.

- [Mark] That's right, that's right.

- [Avery] Now we have the Avery Trace.

- [Mark] Now we get to see the dance team.

- [Avery] Avery Trace Middle School.

There they are, sharing the joys of dance and celebration with this Christmas.

Here comes the team at Hope Springs Clinic in the mental health mobile ambulance to bring a little sunshine in your Christmas season.

- [Mark] Following that, we've got the NextStep for Life, the Holy Spirit and a hot rod bus.

NextStep for Life is a discipleship ministry for people who have suffered with life-controlling issues.

They are walking behind a 1933 school bus owned by Dave and Diane Roland, who founded the ministry eight years ago.

NextStep wants to spread the joy and freedom that they have experienced.

Inside the bus are the children of staff that work at next step, who are in the ministry alongside their parents.

(lively Christmas music) - [Avery] J&B Counter Tops, LLC.

A country Christmas reminds us that Christmas is about who is around the tree and not what's under the tree.

From the J&B Counter Tops' family, they wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.

(lively Christmas music) - [Mark] Right behind J&B, we've got Two Men and a Truck.

Here come the Two Men and a Truck Polar Express float.

They wanna wish everyone a safe holiday season and a happy and merry Christmas.

- [Avery] And right behind them is the Mechanical Engineering Department at Tennessee Tech University.

The marvels of mechanical engineering.

The fun entry from the Mechanical Engineering Department at Tennessee Tech features racing vehicles designed and built by students at the Baja SAE team.

These cars are all inspiring marvels, and the Baja team builds a new one each year for competition around the U.S.

Happy holidays to everyone from the Mechanical Engineering Department.

- [Mark] Following them we have Mid-State Motorsports and Marine, how appropriate.

Mid-State Motorsports and Marine bring Christmas cheer with toys for any time of the year.

They do have some toys I'd like to have.

- [Avery] I think that little boy, right there, found one he wants.

- [Mark] I think he looks pretty good there too.

- [Avery] Yep.

- [Mark] Oop, a little more Mid-State.

- [Avery] Oh, Mid-State.

- [Mark] That's the marine part.

- [Avery] There we are, Mid-State Motor Sports and Marine brings Christmas cheer with toys for any time of the year.

I would agree with that.

- [Mark] I would too.

- [Mark] There's your- - [Avery] Northeast Elementary Cub Scouts, Pack 355, Scouting at Christmas.

The Scouts want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and show you what it means to be a cub scout at Christmas.

Each scout will be wearing a Santa hat that holds up a giant gift box that showcases what it means to be a scout.

- [Mark] Here we see Girl Scout Troop 945 and they wish everyone a merry Christmas.

After learning about Girl Scout values such as friendship and sisterhood, the girls of Troop 945 have come together to ring in the holidays that are up and coming.

- [Avery] Cub Scout Pack 651, the Cub Scouts are awesome.

Get it?

- [Mark] Yes they are awesome, that's right.

- [Avery] A scout is cheerful, they make others happy and look for the bright side of things.

What's brighter than a float covered in lights surrounded by friends and family?

- [Mark] Looks like right behind Pack 651, we have Capshaw Cub Scout Pack 156.

The Capshaw Cub Scout Pack 156 is camping under the Christmas stars tonight.

From lions to tigers, wolves, bears, Webelos, and Arrow of Light scouts.

These scouts serve our community and go on adventures, earning achievements and badges toward the goal of moving toward the Boy Scouts of America Scout.

- [Avery] Boy Scout Troop 1848, presents Christmas Under the Stars.

Camping is a favorite activity of scouts, so what better way to celebrate Christmas?

Troop 1848 would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

- [Mark] Another crowd favorite, the Middle Tennessee Antique Engine and Tractor Association.

Merry Christmas from the Middle Tennessee Antique Engine and Tractors.

Santa's helpers are displaying festive antique machines while rocking their best Christmas outfits.

- [Avery] For over 50 years, preschoolers and their families have watched "Sesame Street" to see its diverse residents come together to learn life's lessons.

Along with Elmo, Abby, Big Bird and others, children use their imaginations to build social skills, sing songs, and appreciate everyone's differences.

Everyone gets smarter, stronger, kinder on Sesame Street.

The staff at WCTE PBS wants to wish everyone a happy, wonderful, and joyful holiday this season.

- [Mark] Right behind WCTE is the Putnam County Junior Fair Board.

The elves have borrowed Santa's sleigh and are heading to the fair.

The Junior Fair Board wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year and they look forward to seeing everyone at the 98th annual Putnam County Fair, August 1st through 10th, 2024.

- [Avery] Sweet Chariot rides is coming up, right behind them, the Royal Christmas.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a no-horse open sleigh.

The family of Sweet Chariot Rides would like to wish everyone in the Upper Cumberland merry Christmas and remind them if you need any electric carriage services, that they look forward to helping you with upcoming events.

- [Mark] Following them we have Joseph Roberts construction.

Joseph Roberts Construction wants to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

- [Avery] Erlanger Life Force-2 had some bright lights, coming down the parade route here.

Providing air medical transport to the Upper Cumberland for 35 years, the crew of Life Force-2 wants you to have a a happy and safe holiday season so they can make sure that the only flying on Christmas Eve is Santa Claus.

- [Mark] Next we have those from Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Looking for a a church home for your family?

Pilgrim Baptist Church is an old fashioned Bible-believing church that offers expository Bible preaching.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year from Pastor Fortunato.

- [Avery] Happy Holidays from Rotary District 6780, Governor Susie Cantrell.

Susie is working with the Rotary to rid the world of polio and help the local Rotary Clubs throughout the districts and their communities with grant funding and service projects.

(horns honking) Happy holidays.

- [Mark] I think we had the Upper Middle School Basketball Team there.

- [Avery] Upper Cumberland Tree Care Service, Santa's lumberjacks.

Upper Cumberland Tree Care wishes is everyone a very merry Christmas.

Owner, Mason Harville and his crew have been working hard to keep the trees in shape for Santa this year.

You can see the equipment finally get a got a day off to enjoy the Christmas parade, here in Cookeville.

Tennessee Exclusives the ugly Christmas sweaters, Tennessee Exclusive spreads Christmas cheer with a tradition of Christmas sweaters and holiday cheer.

(lively Christmas music) There's our ugly sweaters.

- [Mark] I think I might see a mini leg lamp on this next one from Tennessee Exclusives.

- [Avery] I think you do see a mini leg lamp.

Christmas Classic.

Hope they get a good shot of that.

- [Mark] Oh, I see it coming up, right there.

(lively Christmas music) - [Avery] Window Depot.

Window Depot wants to wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

Window Depot serves the Upper Cumberland with locations in Cookeville and Crossville.

They sell and provide professional installation of windows, doors, and sidings.

Local project manager Bradley Mitchell and Corbin Maddox are in the truck beds with their families, wishing everyone a very merry Christmas - [Mark] Behind Window Depot we have the Patty Cole team at eXp Realty.

The Paws of Christmas.

Santa Paws is coming to town, unleashing the joy of the holiday season, giving doggy kisses and reindeer wishes from Jazzy and the Pat Cole team at eXp Realty.

Let there be treats on earth.

- [Avery] The Veteran's Honor Guard van with a Christmas tree on the cargo carrier.

- [Mark] Looks like we've got the Safe Haven Transitional House nativity scene.

And guess who's coming, who's coming to town?

- [Avery] Santa Claus!

- [Mark] Santa Claus is coming to town.

He's in Cookeville, right this very minute.

- [Avery] And thanks to Rogers Group and Thompson Cat Machinery, who has sponsored Santa Tonight.

And again, always the fan faithful.

- [Mark] I see him, I hear the crowd cheering.

The crowd is cheering.

- [Avery] I think Mrs. Claus is up there with him, and as usual, he's in with the Cookeville Fire Department's fabulous fire truck.

I'm sure the reindeers are getting some rest tonight.

- [Avery] Getting a little rest.

And the Fire Department, we talked about, the police, that began, and the Fire Department and the Putnam County Rescue Squad, which is following Santa Claus, does so much for our area and and has been such an important part of the safety and security that we are able to enjoy here in this region.

So we appreciate those that work so hard for Putnam County and the Cookeville Fire Department and the Putnam County Rescue Squad.

- [Avery] Crest Lawn Funeral Home is right behind them.

They have a vintage horse-drawn hearse, and is Amish-built.

Crest Lawn and its sister funeral home in Upper Cumberland uses this for services.

They also are displaying their Harley Cares, which is available for use as well.

- [Mark] The Harley Hearse, there it is.

- [Avery] Hearse, there it is.

- [Mark] Yeah, yeah.

- [Avery] And they'll be part of the Cookeville-Putnam County parade for several years, and they appreciate it.

Now there's a way to go, right there.

- [Mark] That's it, yes, without a doubt.

- [Avery] Everybody loves a good theme.

- [Mark] That's right, that's right.

Oh, there goes the horse-drawn hearse, we were looking for that.

That part of Crest Lawn.

Let's get a good look at that, that's really pretty.

You know, Avery, WCTE's been an important part of this community and an important part of this Christmas parade.

And we want to thank everyone that's been watching.

What a great way to get in our Christmas spirit.

- [Avery] Absolutely, absolutely.

And the Stevens Street Baptist Church choir singers did a beautiful job tonight.

- [Mark] It's so great for them to be with us tonight.

- Absolutely, and we hope you and your family at home, have been able to enjoy this broadcast from WCTE PBS, live from the square in Cookeville, the 56th annual Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas Parade.

I'm Avery Hutchins.

- And I'm Mark Hutchins.

And we wish you all from our family to yours a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

- Yep, merry Christmas, happy New Year.

♪ Hail incarnate Deity ♪ Pleased has been with us to dwell ♪ ♪ Jesus our Emmanuel ♪ Hark the herald angels sing ♪ Glory to the newborn king ♪ Hail the heav'nly Prince of Peace ♪ - [Announcer] WCTE's coverage of the Cookeville-Putnam County Christmas parade is brought to you by WIN Home Inspection, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Upper Cumberland Federal Credit Union, Putnam County, and by Honey Baked Ham.