On Friday, November 28th, Butler Bethel No. 21 and the Butler Bee Hive J2Bee's joined forces with the other Butler Masonic Youth groups and participated in the 44th annual Butler Spirit of Christmas Parade.

 

The members of all five Butler Masonic youth organizations (Butler Bethel, Butler Bee Hive, Butler Rainbow Assembly, Rainbow Noah's Ark Pledge Group, and Lorraine Chapter Order of DeMolay) and advisors were up bright and early to begin decorating their two float entries at 6AM.  Float judging commenced at 8AM, and the parade began at 10AM.  The theme of this year's parade was Christmas Memories and all float entries had to relate to memories of the Christmas season.

 

The DeMolays lead the way by carrying a Butler Masonic Youth banner.  Behind them was the Jobie 2 Bee and Noah's Ark Rainbow Pledge group float.  This float was designed by J2B and current Pledge Sister, Rebecca R., and titled "A Child's Christmas Memories"  It featured two snowflake angels, two girls opening gifts on Christmas morning, and of course, two of Santa's reindeer. 

 

Last was the Butler Bethel - Butler Assembly float titled "Snowy Day Memories".  It featured several girls riding their sleds down a snowy hill past a few Christmas trees, a snow fort and a other Daughters taking part in a snow ball battle!  Since not everyone had good aim in the snow ball fight, a few other DeMolays walked along side of the float tossing the "snowballs" (aka: balled up white socks) back into the battle field. 

 

As our groups passed the reviewing stand near the end of the parade route, the announcer read information about each of the three main groups, our accomplishments over the past year, and how YOU could become a member.  We also had advisors passing informational literature out to the crowd throughout the parade route.

 

It was great fun and a lot of effort went in to gathering up all the supplies needed to create the floats.  Our efforts were rewarded with an "Honorable Mention" prize banner that we got to carry during the parade.  We hope to continue doing parades and other types of community events so that our group names are just as common as other area youth groups and our membership will grow!