Holiday parade draws crowd of hundreds

Chilly but clear weather set the scene for "The Magic and Music of Christmas" holiday parade Saturday evening on the Square, which organizers said drew an exceptionally large crowd.

Following a musical program by local performers, the Nevada Regional Medical Center Foundation began this year's festivities by lighting the Tree of Shining Memories.  The official countdown and courthouse lighting by Nevada Mayor Bill Edmonds and Vernon County Presiding Commissioner Charlie Johnson set the Square aglow with holiday lights as the parade began. This year's grand marshall, Aaron Buerge, of Springfield, is better known for his reality TV appearance as "The Bachelor," in 2002. Buerge's appearance in Nevada was sponsored by Metz Banking Company. He was joined by chamber of commerce president, Tim Moore, for the introduced more than 75 entries.

 Holiday Parade winners were selected by a panel of five judges and are as follows: Business Award, Bert's Marine; Adult Award. Mizra Big Wheels; Youth Award, Ellis 4-H Club; Judges' overall Spirit of Christmas Award, Diana's Day Care.