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Published Tuesday, December 01, 2009 in Local

Dirt track racer Smith leads Haralson parade

By Winston Skinner

The Times-Herald

Clint Smith is a man of fast action -- and few words.

Offered an opportunity to speak in Haralson following his stint as grand marshal for the town's annual Christmas parade, Smith kept his remarks sublimely brief: "Merry Christmas." Smith, a professional dirt track racer, brought some celebrity flair to the down home Christmas festivities in Haralson on Saturday evening.

The parade began and ended at the historic Haralson School, which now houses the Community Action for Improvement Head Start program.

The parade was followed by lighting of the community Christmas tree. Area residents donated $2 to place an angel in honor or memory of someone on the tree. Money from the angel project is going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a national cancer research effort.

A reception at the nearby Haralson City Hall followed the tree lighting. Visitors enjoyed refreshments and got a chance to meet Smith. Youngsters took advantage of an opportunity to share their wishes with Santa Claus.

Smith, who has lived in Senoia for 12 years, is a four time Southern All Star Series champion and champion of the Hav-A-Tampa Racing Series. He comes from a racing family and has been racing for 27 years.

"He's a local hero," said Eric Spencer, who has organized the parade each of its four years.

Though he has logged lots of miles racing, Smith's waving from the back of a pickup as the grand marshal in Haralson was a new experience. "This is a first," he stated.

This year's parade was held a bit earlier than in past years, and participation and attendance were down a little. "The parade hasn't brought out as big of a turnout as I was hoping for," Spencer said.

The parade did draw an appreciative group along the town's main streets. Several of this year's participants have been in previous parades. A local bait shop took part. Santa Claus rode in a fishing boat, and a church group tossed sweets from the back of a black pickup.

Local real estate agent Jamie Thompson took home a plaque for the best float -- for her entry peopled with children wearing reindeer antlers.

Coweta County Sheriff's Office deputies kept the procession orderly and safe, and a shiny red Coweta County Fire Department tanker was also part of the parade.

Michael Whitlock, 7, came with his family -- who brought carts drawn by their goat, Spot, and donkey, Booger. The Whitlocks also took part in the town's July 4 parade this year.

"I like it because you get to sometimes throw candy," Whitlock said, adding that he likes to make people smile.

Roy Watson was recognized at the tree lighting ceremony for bringing his antique vehicles to every parade that has been held in Haralson. "It's a real honor to be among real good friends," Watson commented.

The parade began just as dusk descended. By the time the group got back to their starting point, a half moon hung in the gray sky above the brick school building.

The names of those in whose honor or memory angels were given were read at the tree lighting ceremony. The angel atop the tree is dedicated each year to someone in Haralson who has died since the previous Christmas parade. This year, the angel was dedicated to B.L. Turner.

Turner's daughter-in-law, Paula, shared thoughts about her father-in-law, including that many people might remember having followed him down Highway 85 as he drove a steady 35 miles per hour.

Turner was "always on the go" but never in a hurry, she said. "He was one of the most humble men I've ever known."

Turner grew up in Haralson and lived there after he married, bringing up his own family. "He loved this community," his daughter-in-law said. "I know he's looking at all this and saying it's not necessary. But I'm here to say it is."

Turner was "a really good man," Spencer said.

Spencer also thanked his wife, Rhonda, for her help with his civic endeavors in the town. "My wife does as much for the parades as I do," he said.

Courteney Spencer, 10, shared her musical gifts during the outdoor program by singing "O Holy Night."

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