SHAWANO, WI – The Shawano Community has named Belle Plaine 4H Club’s “Polar Express” Float as this years People’s Choice Award winner in the 2019 Shawano Santa Parade.
Over 300 people selected the club as their favorite.
The float was a train with windows that kids could peak out of. The train was covered in christmas lights and the kids on board were ringing bells.
“The parents kind of built the frame of it and the kids idea was to ring the bells because in the movie they have little bells when they believe in Santa,” said Jesscia Race, a leader of the 4H Club.
She said while the adults did most of the physical work, the kids did a lot of the thinking.
“The kids really like the movie so we let it be their choice.”
Race says the float was made with wood on the trailer. The smokestack was a flowerpot and they were able to come up with a way to make it look like smoke was coming out of it.
“Leaders had some white toule left from our float last year, so we stuck it on a tomato cage and put it in there.”
Race says it was nice to see all of the hard work stand out and make a difference and the whole experience is a great learning opportunity for the kids in the club.
“I think it is letting them work together and come up with the idea, that is always the hardest part when it comes to a parade.”
Other winners this year.
Best Use of Theme: EDS Restoration
Best Business Entry: American Marine & Motorsports
Best Non-Profit Entry: ADRC – Aging & Disability Resource Center
Best Children’s Entry: Belle Plaine 4-H Club,
Thank you to everyone who participated!
