Each racing team was composed of a Motivating Individual (MI) and a Sleigh Executive Rider (SER). The MI on each team provided propulsion and can be identified as the person wearing a blindfold and reindeer antlers. The SER rides the vehicle and provides verbal directions to the MI during the race. Each team must navigate an obstacle course to a “fork in the road” and return without hitting the cones that comprise the obstacle gates. The first team to successfully complete the course wins.

Special guests State Representative John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Senate candidate, Larry Thomas, were invited to try out the race vehicles in a special timed run for the course world record, with Mr. Thomas wearing the antlers as MI and Mr. Edwards as SER. The special team set a new record of 4 minutes and 20 seconds.

Winners of the Fifth Annual Ebenezer Scrooge Memorial Race were the East Feliciana Sheriff’s Team of Sheriff Talmadge Bunch and Clerk of Courts David Dart.

Runners-up for second place were the District Attorney Team of Sam D’Aquilla and Nicholas D’Aquilla.

A special Sportsmanship Award was presented to Mayor Billy D’Aquilla of Saint Francisville for good naturedly participating in all five annual Reindeer Races.

The sponsoring members of the Jackson Tourism Enhancement Committee sold homemade baked goodies and hot chocolate, with all proceeds going to the construction of a Veteran’s Memorial in Jackson. They also handed out free candy canes to children while all cheered for their favorite team.

Our thanks to all the participants with a rousing sense of humor and the seasonal good cheer. All seemed to have a good time in another challenging Reindeer Race. And a special thank you to the Race O-Fish-als, the O-Fish-al Go-Fer, and our photographers, Beth Dawson and John Labbe.

And who is responsible of this outrageous display of Yuletide buffoonery………….

—–A question that remains to be determined next year on December 10, 2011!!!!!!!!!!