Council used the opening portion of its January workshop to recognize the town’s 50th annual Christmas parade participants. Winners included the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (float division), the Smyrna High School marching band (walking group; director Ben Ray said the band fielded 150 members this year), David and Jenny Williams (antique vehicle), and SRM (mayor’s cup). Parade organizers and representatives described volunteer recruitment through a Citizens Academy and fielded questions about how residents can join the Citizens Academy and Citizens Sheriff’s Office training class.

The mayor also announced the town’s holiday food-drive totals: the town of Smyrna and Smyrna Fire Department collected more than 40,500 pounds of nonperishable food for Nourish Food Bank (Nourish staff said their organization served over 54,000 individuals this past year and detailed walk-in eligibility and distribution practices). Council praised the collection and noted monetary donations were also accepted.

Stewart’s Creek TV and student crews were recognized for broadcasting the parade into residents’ homes; staff credited the student-run crew with no technical failures this year. The awards period concluded with photos and light-hearted recognition of the council member who collected the most food.