The 2021 Christmas decorations have come down at Perry Wellness Center, but two souvenirs of its award-winning downtown Americus Christmas parade float remain.  Readers will recall that the float won first place (for the fifth year) with its “Toy Story” design, featuring characters from the animated movie series.

Two toy soldiers which graced the float were recently removed from the float and now guard the north entrance to Rudy’s Happy Patch Market. This unexpected and whimsical touch was the brainchild of Jeff Williams, who designed and build the float and is responsible for most of the signage, décor, and garden structures of the unique campus.

Jeff explains, “I designed the saluting soldiers as part of our “Toy Story” them for our parade float. The float was fun to build! I guess all of us remember different components of our childhood. I remember these plastic soldiers from when I was a kid.”

These particular soldiers have earned peacetime duty, guarding the campus farmer’s market and welcoming customers with brisk salutes.

Thanks, Jeff, for reminding many of us of childhood memories and bringing a smile to visitors’ faces.