The streets of Fredonia buzzed with festive spirit Friday night as residents came together for the annual Christmas parade, celebrating community and hometown pride.
Parade organizer Michelle Travis shared that this year’s parade theme of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was chosen before last year’s Christmas parade.
Lifelong Fredonia resident and farmer Nicky Baker was named grand marshal of the parade and was humbled by the honor.
Baker, a 1970 graduate of Fredonia High School, worked with David Williams to lead the construction of Woodman Park and later added playground equipment. According to Travis, Baker also played a key role in reorganizing the Fredonia Riding Club and helped establish the Caldwell and Lyon Cattlemen Association, achievements that led to his induction into the state Hall of Fame.
Baker is also involved with the Fredonia Heritage Society and serves as an elder at the Fredonia Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he has contributed in numerous roles.
Baker and his wife, Gary Beth, have been married for 43 years, have two grown children and six grandchildren.
Travis noted that, thanks to generous sponsors, prizes were awarded to the parade winners this year.
Dom Kirby took third runner-up, while Matt, Angie, and Bristyn Prowell earned second runner-up honors. The Fredonia First Baptist Youth Group claimed first runner-up, and the grand prize went to the Fredonia First Baptist Middle School group.
