Krista Watson When lifelong Carroll County resident and local business owner Krista Watson heard she was selected to lead Delphi’s 2009 annual Christmas Parade, she was more surprised than any of her many friends in the community.

“I was totally shocked to be chosen,” she said. “There are a lot of other people who deserve this as much as I do.”

“It is a real honor to be nominated and then picked by people who have known you for many, many years,” she added.

The former Krista Kleckner is the daughter of the late Leslie and Mary Kleckner. She attended Camden Elementary School and graduated from Delphi Community High School in 1970. She has one child, Brice Hyman, and two grandchildren, Dylan and Taylor. She married Jeff Watson in 1982.

The Delphi businesswoman co-owned Hyman’s Grocery Store from 1970 to 1980 and was a partner in the Ace Hardware Store beginning in 1979. Two additional businesses were purchased with Watson which evolved into the current Delphi Hardware and Paint, located on W. Franklin St. The business also has stores in Rossville and Brookston. In addition, Watson co-owns J.W. Rentals and Apartments, Woodlawn Rentals and Watson Construction.

“I really enjoy working in Delphi,” she said. “I’m concerned about the future of the downtown area due to the new highway. Local merchants must work together to support the town.”

“It’s not all about one business here,” she added. “We all can work together to make a difference.”

Watson said there are many reasons to own and operate a business in Delphi. She said she enjoys helping customers solve problems and helps them reach a reasonable conclusion to whatever situation they find themselves in. As owner of the hardware store, Watson said she enjoys providing a service no one else in town provides.

Watson cited another positive for owning a local business is the ability to employ like-minded people who believe in customer service.

“This wouldn’t all work if I didn’t have everybody to help me,” she said.

Watson has been not only a business person in Delphi but also a long-time volunteer in civic organizations. Her accomplishments include serving on the Main Street committee from the mid- 1980s to approximately two months ago, membership in the Professional Business Women’s Club and Psi Iota Xi Sorority. She is currently a member of the Carroll County Board of Health.

Watson is probably most known as the leader of the Delphi Chamber of Commerce, whose annual accomplishments include the Old Settlers’ Celebration and the Fourth of July Fireworks display at the high school. Watson has been the president of the organization at least five times from 1983 to the present. She said this is the last year she will serve in the top leadership role. She said it is time for her to take a step back and support another member to lead the downtown business group.

Delphi Lion and parade chairman Ed Sholtey said Watson was chosen for the honor this year because she is exceptionally communityminded.

“Krista is very good for the community and to the community,” Sholtey said. “She is very community-minded and is always looking out for the good of Delphi.”

The Lions-sponsored Delphi Christmas Parade is Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Family Christmas.” The parade will feature floats, marching groups, antique cars, bands, churches merchants and scout troupes. Prizes will be awarded for the best theme float, best marching or walking group and others.

Pre-registrations can be made by calling Sholty at (765) 564-3514. Registrations will also be taken the day of the parade beginning at 12 noon at the Monroe St. old middle school gymnasium. Judging begins at 12:30.

The parade route remains the same from previous years. From the Monroe St. gym, the procession will go west and turn left onto Market St. It will travel one block and make another left onto Franklin St. The parade viewing stand will be in front of Fielding’s Clock Shop on Franklin St. The parade will move east on Franklin St. to High St. and make a left, go one block and finish at the departure point, the Monroe St. gym.

Other Saturday activities

• Tri Kappa will sponsor the Small Shopper’s Spending Spree in the courthouse from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages three to nine years of age are eligible to shop for an adult. Limit of two presents for each child.

• Festival of Trees will be on display in the courthouse rotunda. The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced during the parade.

• The American Cancer Association “Love Lights A Tree” lighting will be inside the courthouse at noon.

• The War Monument lights will be illuminated at dusk to bring in the season.