Portal, GA residents didn't let a little damp air stop them from coming out to enjoy the 7th annual Portal Christmas parade on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The parade and festival was coordinated by Portal City Council member Delina Woods.
Former Portal Police Chief and current Bulloch County Deputy Bobby Ivey was the Grand Marshall of the parade. He lead the parade riding with his successor as the Portal Police Chief Jason Sapp. The parade included the history making Portal High School football team, beauty queens, Grinch's galore, Santa and Mrs. Claus and horses.
City Council member Roger Davis was a Harley riding Grinch who actually attempted to steal Christmas in the middle of the parade.
Not to be outdone Portal Public Works Malik Williams danced through the parade dressed as the Grinch.
The highlight of any Christmas parade is the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. This parade did not disappoint. Riding above their vintage fire engine was the real Bulloch County Santa and Mrs. Claus also known as Bulloch County Commission Chairman RoyThompson and his wife Deborah. No one in all of Georgia provides more Christmas cheer to so many than do the Thompson's.
The parade entry winners were:
- Statesboro Shrine Club - 1st Place
- Portal PTO riding on Fostering Bulloch's Cool bus - 2nd Place
- Yates Astro - 3rd Place
In addition four other groups who participated in the parade received gifts from the parade committee.
Parade Live Stream
Special thanks to Portal resident Hope Woods for assisting me with parade coverage today. I also want to thank Council Members Delina Woods and Roy Johnson for helping us kick off the live coverage of the parade and City Clerk Linda Herrington for her help and hospitality today.
Portal's Santa in Portal Toy Giveaway and Christmas Tree Lighting
Over 400 Portal residents came out on Thursday evening December 14th to Portal City Hall for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Toy Giveaway. The program included music by Portal Elementary School. Over 300 toys were given away at the event. Special thanks to Portal resident Patrick Robertson for providing the video from Thursday evening.
Grice Connect wishes everyone in the beautiful little City of Portal a very Merry Christmas.
The parade live stream and this coverage is made possible thanks to the generous support of one of Bulloch County's newest industries SECO ECOPLASTIC as part of their partnership in supporting strong local journalism through Grice Connect.
