ASHLAND — Ashland Mayor Matt Miller announced Saturday evening that the owner’s of Grandpa’s Cheese Barn were the anonymous donors who gifted Ashland $100,000 in November to bring Christmas spirit downtown.
The funds, given by Dick and Ronda Poorbaugh, bought a 12-foot wreath, a 22-piece Nativity scene, an ornament sculpture and fireworks. Miller said Saturday that the funds will also go toward next year’s decorations and festivities for the city.
“They have also set aside monies so that next year we can add several more major features that we couldn’t pull off in time for tonight,” Miller said.
Dick Poorbaugh said he intended for the funds to be used to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
“We just wanted to help celebrate and make this special for Ashland,” Poorbaugh said.
The unveiling of the anonymous donors was just one of several aspects of the festivities Saturday night, which began at 6 p.m. with 70 groups parading floats from Ashland University down through Main Street.
The theme of the Downtown Ashland Christmas Parade was “My Favorite Christmas Song,” and entries were judged by a panel based on relation to the theme, overall appearance and creativity.
Winners were not announced Saturday but are promised cash prizes. There will be one winner for first, second and third place for both commercial and non-commercial categories (walking units included) as well as one winner each in the aforementioned categories for best representing the theme.
The groups who participated ranged from local churches to non-profits to elected officials.
Miller, his wife Melanie Miller and Chelley Kemper of Mix 106.1 Radio served as the masters of ceremonies during the event, providing commentary on each float.
Following the parade, tradition continued with the lighting of Ashland’s 40-foot, artificial Christmas tree at Corner Park, which was timed with the release of a fireworks show.
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