December 14, 2016 - (Album1, Album2) - East Texas Chopper Guys (ETCG) held their food and toy drive on Friday, December 9, 2016 through Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Joaquin First United Methodist Church in Joaquin.
The main events were held on Saturday with a parade held on the city square. The parade route started behind Joaquin ISD, traveled U.S. Highway 84 and then onto the Joaquin square where the judges reviewed the participants. Judges for the parade were Paul Ragan, John Green and Dennis Casper.
Goodies and teddy bears were thrown to children along the parade route as floats and motorcycles traveled through. Once the parade completed everyone returned to the event grounds at the church where youngsters got to visit with Santa and tickets for the fundraiser continued being sold.
Once the results of the parade were tallied Dennis Leggett, event announcer, gave the results of the automobile and motorcycle show. Best Truck winner was John Stiles, Best Car was awarded to Billy Sandifer, Best Motorcycle went to William Carroll, and the People's Choice was Robbie Woodfin.
The Parade awards were then announced and 1st place went to Santa Claus on the Trike, 2nd place went to the Ace Hardware of East Texas float, and 3rd place was awarded to Robbie Woodfin. As "Santa Claus" and Ace Hardware each received the cash reward for the placement in the parade, they returned the money to the beneficiary of the event, Joaquin Christian Services run by Gayle Samford. Woodfin was not present for the awards ceremony.
An auction and raffle continued throughout the event, as well as a cake walk. Many great items were offered through the auction and the raffle. The winner of a Sanyo 42" television was David Stevens.
According to Nancy Stevens with ETCG, the event raised over $6,000 for Joaquin Christian Services and had a great turnout. ETCG is very appreciative of all the supporters who donated items and participated in the event.
