A Nativity scene under a Star of Bethlehem with a sign proclaiming "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" secured the first-place prize for the Tenderfoot Christian Fellowship in the Jingle Thru Joseph Christmas Parade on Nov. 25, 2023.

JOSEPH — Participants and parade-goers staved off chilly temperatures with holiday cheer and warm drinks as they milled around downtown Saturday, Nov. 25, for the annual Jingle Thru Joseph Christmas Parade.

With a Star of Bethlehem overhead and a full Nativity scene on board, a trailer bearing the float of Tenderfoot Christian Fellowship proclaiming that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” won first prize and $300.

Second prize and $200 went to the Kooch Family Farm with its Grinch.

There was a tie for third, as Destiny Wecks — a former queen for the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo — and her horse, Dolly, led the parade carrying the American flag. They tied with the Mountain High Broncs & Bulls Drill Team. The third-place winners each received $50.

In the Truck Category, the float for Slack Drinks and Dining, a Joseph restaurant, won a $50 prize.

Slack helped keep the crowd warm with its barbecue pit flames that added to the warmth of the burn barrels around town on the 20-degree night.

Joseph City Councilor Nancy Parmenter, who helped organize the parade, said she was told participation in the parade was greater than usual this year, with more than 20 entries.

“Everybody says there were more this year,” she said. “Everybody really put their hearts and souls into it.”

Kate Shelton, who helped with the parade, agreed, calling it a great success.

“There were so many beautiful entries and the floats made it hard for the judges,” she said.