Happy Holidays from NRECA
A snow machine creates winter magic for families lining the route of this year’s Christmas on the Square parade in Live Oak. The faux blizzard, power poles and other elements helped Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative win the Grand Marshal Prize for best float. (Photo By: Jon Little)
Santa Claus takes a crack at climbing a power pole on a float designed by Powder River Energy Corp., for the annual Parade of Lights in Sundance, Wyo. The co-op took home the parade’s top prize, which a spokesman described as “fame and distinction only, no cash.” (Photo By: Tim Velder)
Sparky the Elf presides over Angel Tree gifts collected by employees of Carroll EMC for local foster children. Sparky also hid in secret spots throughout the headquarters in Carrollton, Georgia, and employees guessed his location for a chance to win prizes. (Photo By: Carroll EMC)
After a lengthy hiatus, Willie Wiredhand is back in fine form in the lobby of Great Lake Energy’s headquarters in Boyne City, Mich. The co-op celebrated his return with lights, garland and a Santa hat. (Photo By: M. Smith)
Christmas will be a little brighter for children in communities served by Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative. Two district offices served as toy collection points for the Centuria, Wis., co-op’s 11th annual Holiday Gift Drive. (Photo By: Joan O’Fallon)
Like many electric co-ops, Carteret-Craven Electric Co-op gives back to the community year round. This fall, the Newport, N.C., co-op helped a local fast food restaurant, which had fed line crews after Hurricane Matthew, supply a soup kitchen. Pictured: Gene McLendon and Laura Conneely. (Photo By: Lisa Galizia)
For 12 years, White River Valley Electric Cooperative employees have helped purchase warm clothing and personal hygiene products for local students. Cindy Rains (l) and Debbie Peterson coordinate the project at the Branson, Mo., co-op. (Photo By: Cassie Cunningham)
It’s not quite dashing and dancing, but a United Power truck gleams, as makes its way through Historic Downtown Brighton, Colo., during the Festival of Lights Parade. (Photo Courtesy of City of Brighton)
Cobb EMC employees sing carols for residents at a nursing home in Kennesaw, Ga. Afterwards, volunteers mixed and mingled with the audience. (Photo By: Andrew Herdeg)
It takes several months and several partners to coordinate the delivery of the annual Christmas tree in downtown Baker City, Ore. Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is involved from the start, from selecting a tree from a list of candidates to the delivery downtown. (Photo By: Lara Petitclerc-Stokes )
This is the 11th year that Delaware Electric Cooperative in Greenwood has helped brighten the season for local children in foster care or awaiting adoption. The Angel Tree is “something DEC employees look forward to each December,” said the co-op’s Teresa McCann. (Photo By: Teresa McCann)
On a chilly, windy day, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative’s Jamie Cole volunteers to string overhead lights for the Village of North Baltimore, Ohio. The co-op has performed the service “for more years than anyone can remember,” said a spokeswoman. (Photo By: Diana Hersch)
West Kentucky RECC participates in the “Light Up Murray” parade this year, at the urging of lineman and member Levi Weatherford. Weatherford decorated the truck and is behind the wheel, along with his family. The float was one of 70 this year. (Photo By: Georgann Lookofsky)
Union Rural Electric Cooperative’s David Speicher and grandson Ben get in the holiday spirit during the Union County Elks Christmas parade. Two teams of employees at the Marysville, Ohio, co-op either decorated the trailer or rode on it, dressed as snowmen elves and reindeer. (Photo By: Cindy Speicher)
“Rusty,” the steel lineman sculpture, outside the headquarters of Black River Electric Cooperative shines brightly with 3,500 LED lights. It’s the first year that the Fredericktown, Mo., co-op has used LEDs on the sculpture designed by a former employee. (Photo By: John Singleton)
A Victory Electric Cooperative bucket truck enters the gates of the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City, Kan., during the annual Parade of Lights. Sponsored by local merchants, the event features horse-drawn buggies and vehicles decked out in holiday finery. (Photo By: Jerri Imgarten)
The Solar Mowers are back at Eau Claire Energy Cooperative—sort of. But instead of munching on the grass surrounding Wisconsin’s MemberSolar array in Fall Creek, the lambs are trimming a Christmas tree. The “Vegetation Management Team” will return next summer. (Photo By: Mary Kay Brevig)
Minnkota Power Cooperative rocked the 2016 HollyDazzle Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Grand Forks, N.D. For the second straight year, the G&T took home the cash grand prize, which will go to charity. “Jingle Bell Rock” was the winning theme. (Photo By: Kevin Jeffrey)
Northern Electric Cooperative’s festive light display greets travelers as they enter Aberdeen, S.D., on U.S. Highway 12. The co-op in Bath has erected the award-winning display for decades. (Photo By: Ben Dunsmoor)
SECO Energy executives Gene Kanikovsky (on bike), Jim Duncan (holding bag) and employee-elves load the co-op’s special community outreach trailer for a Toys for Tots delivery. Employees also gave generously to the local United Way, with more than $50,000 in pledges. (Photo By: SECO Energy)
Hats, gloves and other winter apparel adorn a “warming tree” at the headquarters of Ravalli Electric Cooperative in Corvallis, Mont. Among the items: 100 hats made by one person. Donations by employees, members and the public will go to local charities helping families in need. (Photo By: Cindy Harper)
Beckett Thomas, daughter of CoServ Electric’s Michael Thomas, beams on Santa’s lap at the co-op’s Winter Wonderland gala. The annual family event at the Corinth, Texas, headquarters includes a tree decorating contest, bucket rides, a giant snow globe photo op, and a toy drive. (Photo By: CoServ/Sara Ellis)
You won’t find these ornaments at the mall. Photos of the employees, members and projects in the vast area served by Alaska Village Electric Corp. adorn its tree. Only about half of the Anchorage co-op’s employees travel to the 57 communities served. (Photo By: Amy Murphy)
