The Downtown Hays Development Corp. on Monday announced the winners of Saturday's annual FrostFest Parade.
The parade, presented by Eagle Communications and the Hays Convention and Visitor'sVisitor's Bureau, took place Saturday on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. This year's parade theme was "A Kansas Christmas," submitted by Melissa Chaney. Chaney served as the 2019 parade grand marshal, accompanied her family.
Six judges from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce judged the parade entries on the use of theme, lighting and creativity. The winners in each category will receive $75 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques. The winners are as follows:
Animals:
1st place – Kansas Western Horseman's Association, 2nd place – Plainville Saddle Club, 3rd place – Ellis County Rodeo
Business:
1st place – Elements of Massage, 2nd place – Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, 3rd place – Dillons
Non-Profit/Other:
1st place – Bethesda Place, 2nd place – Donna Fleischacker, 3rd place - NCK Technical College
The judge's overall favorite from the evening and winner of $150 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques was the Hays Public Library.
2019 was also the 10th year for the Nex-Tech Wireless People's Choice award, which was voted on by parade-goers via text message. The winner of this award receives $150 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques.
Nex-Tech Wireless People's Choice:
1st place – NCK Tech College, 2nd place – Ellis County EMS, 3rd place - Bethesda Place
The theme for the 2020 parade — "Do You Hear What I Hear?" — was revealed at the end of the parade. The Kansas Western Horseman's Association submitted it during the annual Frostfest Theme Contest, and the organization will serve as next year's grand marshal.