12/1/2009 3:10:00 PM 'Old Fashion Christmas':
A Christmas Parade The 55th annual Cottonwood Christmas Parade rolls down Main Street Saturday
Chuck Mabery
Cottonwood �institution� Chuck Mabery to serve as parade grand marshal
By Jon Hutchinson
Staff Reporter
COTTONWOOD -- Born in Yuma, Dec. 4, 1926, Chuck Mabery graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1944 and worked for the U.S. Postal Service the following summer until he enlisted in the Navy and entered boot camp at the San Diego Naval Training Center. Chuck trained as fleet signalman in Hawaii and was assigned to the Battleship Wisconsin.
After World War II, Chuck was discharged from the Navy and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Fleming and attended Arizona State College at Tempe (now ASU) in 1946 and 1947.
His love of writing led him to newspaper staff positions as sports and farm reporter for the Yuma Daily Sun and editorship of the monthly magazine Arizona Wildlife-Sportsman. In 1958, he became managing editor of the Prescott Courier.
Two years later, Chuck moved his family to Cottonwood, where he launched many business ventures. Chuck and Dorothy first owned and operated the Western Auto store. He spent some years working for the Verde Independent. He became an insurance/real estate agent for Leonard Sexton and eventually opened his own office, Mabery and Associates, with son, Dan. After selling that business to Dan in 1983, he managed Yavapai Title.
At the same time, Chuck and second wife, Creta (married in 1984), began growing organic vegetables on the family's Cottonwood farm. The 1993 flood destroyed the irrigation system there. Members of the Mabery family then formed a corporation giving birth to the Blazin' M Ranch Old West Dinner Show, which continues today. Chuck served as emcee and the show's lead singer until his retirement in 2008.
Over the past 40-plus years, Chuck's commitment to the betterment of Cottonwood and the Verde Valley were demonstrated by the many volunteer hours he devoted.
He was an early Cottonwood visionary, serving on many boards, including the Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Cottonwood Progressive Association, precursors to the Cottonwood Chamber.
He served eight years as co-chairman with George Thomas of the Cottonwood Christmas Parade and was named VVCC "Man of the Year" in 1965.
Chuck helped start the Verde Valley Fair and its association. He served as board member for the Camp Verde Historical Society, Verde Valley Manor Retirement Center, Cottonwood's first Planning and Zoning Commission, and spent 31 years on the Yavapai County Industrial Development Authority. He served on the board of governors of Yavapai College, where he helped established the Verde Campus and was the recipient of its first honorary degree.
Chuck has four children, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, many of whom still live in Cottonwood. He is now enjoys retirement reading, writing, fishing and attending his grandchildren's many sporting events.
COTTONWOOD -- Organizers are working hard to make sure the 55th annual Cottonwood Christmas Parade remains true to its theme, "Old Fashion Christmas."
That means the grand marshal will ride in a horse and buggy. All five Verde Valley mayors and some spouses will join a hayride, not in the typical open convertible. Santa must come in a genuine sleigh, though organizers are still working on the reindeer.
Who better to usher in an "Old Fashion Christmas" than Mr. Cottonwood himself, Chuck Mabery, this year's grand marshal.
Colleen Gilboy of the Ledbetter Law Firm and the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce are sharing the organizational duties this year.
Gilboy says there will be one and perhaps two bands this year, several floats and other displays. The final count of entries is still in flux. People tend to sign up at the last minute.
There are plenty of traditional entries and some new treats in store. Look for the Arizona Fly Wheelers with their oompa-style engines and the rough and ready Bill Williams Mountain Men. The Flip City Gymnastics teams will somersault down the street. The Mingus Mountain Cloggers and the Rio Verde Roverettes drill team will add their own percussion.
There are always lots of sparking cars. The Sedona Car Club will bring their gems, and the racy Verde Valley Vettes Corvette Club will pace the parade.
The Shrine funny cars and clowns always entertain.
But there are plenty of new entries. Out of Africa Wildlife Park will join the parade, along with the Dirty Verde Roller Derby. The Girl Scouts have their own float this year
And those entries are just the beginning. There is also a spirit line and the Verde Valley cyclists and more and more.
They will all vie for some of that best-of prize money. The Grand Prize will take home $150. The Judge's Favorite and the Best Display of Theme each pocket $100. First place at $75 and second at $25 are awarded in each category.
Be sure to get a spot early.
Make it a full day. After the parade, there is scheduled the Cottonwood Christmas Tree Lighting at the Civic Center at 6 p. The Old Town Chocolate Walk will run from 4 until 8 p.m.
In Jerome, there will be a hayride around town and the annual tree lighting.
Collections will be made for the food bank, so be sure to bring some canned goods. Shopping carts will pickup the canned goods as the parade passes.
If You Go ...
What: Cottonwood Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 5. Be in line by 10:30. Parade kicks off at 11:00
From: Verde Valley Fairgrounds Parking Lot.
Ends: at Old Town Waterworks
How Much: It's Free, but bring along canned goods for the food bank.
