HURLOCK — The weather was perfect for Hurlock’s Hometown Christmas celebration this past Saturday when an estimated 1,500 people turned out to enjoy it. Viewers lined the curbs and sidewalks from the blinking light to the 5-way intersection at Rt. 307. It was a full day of activities starting at noon with the hour-long parade which featured 85 entrants and was coordinated by John Stitchberry. Parade announcer, radio personality Troy Hill, enthusiastically introduced each entrant complete with names and organizations. This year’s Grand Marshal was Fred West, vice president of Amick Foods and the Town Marshal was Alan “Murph” Murphy. The Festival of Trees at the American Legion was a joy to behold with hot dogs and a wide variety of homemade soups. At the Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company Santa Claus listened to children as they whispered their Christmas wishes to him. The 11th Annual Christmas Bazaar Craft and Collectibles Show drew over 30 displays according to coordinator Maria Bona and remained crowded throughout the day. Mrs. Claus/Holiday the Clown entertained the kids at the train station and just outside the door was a National Aquarium display. Think the day was over? Think again. The 2nd Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths auction offered a wide variety of decorated trees and wreaths where the talent of creative artists was again on display. At 6 pm when the auction began, Mayor Joyce Spratt explained, “All the trees were donated. All the money will go to the two families that the police department has arranged for.” Little did she or anyone else know just how successful the event would be. To determine the winning trees and wreaths votes cast by visitors during the day were calculated. Kathy Humphries won 1st prize of $300; she took 2nd prize as well of $200. Jeff Fletcher’s “Roll Along,” two unique tire trees (you had to see them to believe it) won 3rd prize of $100. First prize for wreaths, $100, went to Kathy Humphries. Kelly Hitty took 2nd prize of $75 and Robin Brooks won 3rd price of $50. Frank Fraley did a yeoman’s job as auctioneer with help, of course, from his wife Fay. It was a great evening with laughs galore yet no one forgot the fundamental reason for the fundraiser – giving local children the Christmas they wish for. Announcing the total for the 2nd annual event, Mayor Spratt said the evening raised over $7,000! That amount will allow the police department to adopt four local families this year. Mayor Joyce Spratt was ecstatic. She said, “I am really, really, happy. The weather was perfect. There were no problems. We raised money for local families in need. The whole day was a ‘10.’”