December 2, 2015 - Album1, Album2 - The annual East Texas Chopper Guys Toy & Food Drive along with the Joaquin Christmas Festival were held on the Joaquin city square Saturday, November 28, 2015. Regardless of the constant onslaught of inclement weather, the event was well attended.
Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department representatives led the way as they participated in the Christmas parade which also included motorcycles, floats and the Joaquin High School band. As the parade passed in front of the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, where a large portion of the festivities emanated, the band stopped and performed for the joyful audience.
Following the parade, Santa Claus was stationed on the square in Santa's workshop, where children could share with him their greatest wishes of Christmas. During that time vendors offered their wares within the fire department, where they enjoyed a dry environment. Across the street from the fire department, an audience gathered to hear Dennis Leggett host the event raffle, and auction while also announcing the winners of the parade, motorcycle show, and car show.
1st place in the parade was awarded to the Jamestown Inspection Stage Coach; 2nd place was won by the Twas the Night Before Christmas float; and 3rd place was awarded to the Snowflake float.
All participants in the motorcycle show received first place and they include: Jeff Rogers, of Joaquin; Chris Barton, of Joaquin; Floyd Blackman, of Joaquin; and Henry Villalobos, of Joaquin. The car show recipients also all received first place and they all include: Billy Sandifer, of Joaquin; Bull and Cindy Durham, of Huxley; Robby Woodfin, of Joaquin.
Toys and food collected for the event were donated to Community Christian Services of Joaquin. The total funds collected during the fundraiser and auction amounted to $6,659.
