Georgia Thomas will serve as grand marshal of Medina’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 26

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 November 2022 at 7:09 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Georgia Thomas of Medina has been chosen as the grand marshal of the Parade of Lights in Medina on Nov. 26. She stands here next to a poster at the English Rose Tea Shoppe advertising the parade.

MEDINA – With the first early bird entries signed up for the 2022 Parade of Lights, the committee has announced its grand marshal for the parade on Nov. 26.

Jim Hancock, chair of Medina Tourism Committee, which sponsors the parade, said they have chosen Georgia Thomas to be this year’s grand marshal.

Thomas has done so much for the Medina and Orleans County communities, Hancock said. She has been a board member of the Medina Historical Society, where she has served as a docent many times at their local museum. She is also a board member of the Cobblestone Society and has been a docent for them. In addition, she has found time to serve as a volunteer tutor for the Orleans County Adult Learning Services.

She loves history and loves the village of Medina, promoting it at every opportunity. Most recently, she is involved in a program at the Medina Historical Museum entitled “Winter Wedding Wonderland,” with wedding dresses from as early as 1860 on display.

In addition, she fills in regularly for Cindy Robinson at the English Rose Tea Shoppe, where she loves greeting customers.

“I am totally honored to have been asked to be grand marshal,” Thomas said. “I can think of so many deserving people. I love Medina and I love history. I have visited four continents and lived in North and South America, but I chose to come back home to Medina to live. Medina is the best small town anywhere, and I am honored beyond belief.”

The former Georgia Ramming, she graduated from Medina High School and married Medina native, Terry Thomas, who she followed across the world and the United States as a career Army officer.

“We are thrilled that Georgia will serve as our grand marshal this year, and encourage everyone to come out to the parade,” Hancock said.

Eleven floats have already been entered as a result of an early-bird bonus, and Hancock said many more have expressed an interest. He is hoping for 40 to 45 floats. The record number is 52 floats in the first 13 years of the parade. Entries will be accepted until Nov. 23.