Fulton County Ohio Media

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The Christmas in Swanton Parade Committee truly outdid themselves this year with a float-filled lineup that also included both the Swanton High School Marching Bulldogs and the Delta High School Marching Panther Bands as well as dancing troupes and cheerleaders among other participants.  Once again, the Village of Swanton was so beyond blessed to have Committee Chair Mandi Gineman and her many volunteers put forth a tremendous effort to the delight of crowd that lined the parade route from the Swanton Sports Center, down Main Street and west on Dodge Street.

Serving as the 2025 Grand Marshal was long-time Swanton Schools educator Christine Elliott.  As her float traveled down Main Street, Master of Ceremonies Pat McCarty, better known as Guy in the 419, read Chris’s bio to the crowd:

While Swanton wasn’t her hometown, or even her first job, she landed in Bulldog territory and took off running with both feet.  As a student teach with the exceptional likes of Pat Lovejoy and Larry Becker, she fondly recalls her time falling in love with the occupation, the students, and ultimately, our small town of Swanton.  She states she was never made to feel like an outsider and gives credit to her fellow teachers for that warm embrace.

Her unwavering care for her students doesn’t stop in the classroom, it just so happens to follow her home on weekends in the form of the Backpack Buddy Program.  From its inception with Charlene Blankenship and Paulette Baz, to its group of volunteers now, our Grand Marshal feels strongly about how the Backpack Buddy Program makes a positive impact on our students.  Once retired, she plans to continue making that program a priority in the Swanton Community.  She states that an interaction with a student, a field trip and a bag of nickels is her “why” as you never truly know someone’s story or struggles.

Our Grand Marshal states some of her favorite Christmas in Swanton memories include decoration at Park School and walking in the parade with her fellow teachers and students.  Her favorite memories and traditions with her family include Christmas Eve church services, singing Silent Night, and just being together.  She will be joined in the parade with her husband John, daughter Kaitlyn and a special appearance by granddaughter Evelyn.  Her daughter Jessica and family are unable to attend as she is due to have a child very soon, but will be with her in spirit.  The Christmas in Swanton is proud to present the 2025 Grand Marshal, Mrs. Christine Elliott.

As part of her duties as Grand Marshal, Chris lit the Christmas Tree at Pilliod Park on Friday evening at that celebration.  She also served as a judge prior to the parade to determine the best decorated float.  This year the float entered by the Swanton Corn Festival Committee won first place.  Swanton Baptist Church finished in second place followed by the Swanton Schools Bus Garage.

Click on the link above to access the more than 400 photos from the parade. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared courtesy of the fultoncopuntymedia.com website.

Photo: Masters of Ceremony Pat McCarty and MacKenzie Roytek