By Melissa Robinson
Contributing Editor 

  Hampton’s Idol has been crowned and will perform at the city’s annual Christmas parade and after-party, dubbed “Christ-mas at Home,” on Thursday, December 6, beginning at 7 p.m.

  Finalists Angela Newton and Kym Johnson were selected from a pool of five semi-finalists who auditioned for the first ever Hampton Idol competition. They competed against each other during the city’s annual tree lighting, held on Thanksgiving night. Newton edged out the competition with her country-inspired rendition of Go Tell (it on the Mountain) winning the honor of performing in a special concert, along with Hampton’s Mount Zion Baptist Church Gospel Choir, after the parade. She was also awarded a $250 cash prize.

  Parade organizer said the concert will come at the end of the parade, which will begin at Hampton elementary school. Chris Moore will be master of ceremonies and Santa Claus himself is the Grand Marshall. Santa will have live reindeer with him and to make them feel at home from the North Pole, Moore has arranged for two industrial snow machines to help set the mood of Christmas.

  “It’s going to be a magical night,” he said.

  He said 600 were in attendance for the tree lighting and last year there were 5,000 people at the parade.

  “This year, we’ll be happy with 5,001,” laughed Moore.

  He said several local businesses will remain open for the evening, passing out hot cocoa and cookies, and children will be able to get a photo with Santa and his reindeer for a small fee. In addition to the concert, a professional DJ will be spinning Christmas tunes.

  There will be various floats and groups marching in the parade and it’s not too late to join the festivities. He said everyone is welcome and may pass out flyers, candy and other goodies. Those interested in being a part of this year’s Hampton Christmas Parade should be ready to line up at Hampton Elementary School by 6:15 p.m. For more information, contact Chris Moore at 678-758-0606.