By Beth Christian
Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Those attending the River City Christmas Story Parade and celebration are still talking about the fun activities before, during and following the parade. Nearly 70 entries strutted, drove and walked through downtown Parsons greeting the hundreds gathered to celebrate the holiday season.
Parsons City officials presented parade organizer Tammy Michael with a Certificate of Appreciation, recognizing her hard work and dedication in putting together the Christmas parade. Parsons City Administrator/Treasurer Jason Myers said the 2015 parade would go down in the books as one of the best Christmas parades in Parsons’ history. He said it was Michael’s driving determination of making every year’s event better than the last. He said she kept the phones at Parsons City Hall on fire preparing and recruiting participants and volunteers.
“You could literally see the excitement building within her with every parade entry,” Myers said. “I’m glad she’s part of our family here at the city.”
Michael said the parade is a fun thing to do.
“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” Michael posted on Facebook. “I truly appreciate this.”
She said her main goal for the Christmas Parade is family and fun.
“The Christmas season is all about families coming together laughing, loving and having fun – and I think they did. I would like to thank several others who were very instrumental in making this work. First, Jason Myers for saying, ‘Go for it and letting me send out invites.’ I told him I wanted to make the parade like the Macy’s Day Parade.”
Michael offered a special thank you to members of the Parsons City Council and Mayor Dorothy Judy. She also extends thank yous to Marshall Parsons, David Boyles, James Thompson, Allen Malone, Roy Lipscomb, Pete Tompkins, John Lipscomb, Carol Hebb, City Chief of Police Bill Rowe, Terri Rowe, Roxanne Tuesing, Daniel Barkley, Sydney Haltom, elves Racheall and Kadence, Mr. and Mrs. Yoder, Pete Michael, Payden Michael, Stephanie, Tanner, Lanney and Digger Burns, Phyllis, Danny and Scott Carr, Becky Corcoran, Ann Rogers, Carol Irons, Vickie George, David Gidley, Tim Auvil, Chief Kevin White, Mike Matlick, Preston Simmons, Pauletta Ramsey, Janice McDaniel, Kevin Keplinger and Susan Marks.
“It takes a lot of people to put a parade together,” Michael said. “I would like to thank everyone who helped and participated. Other thank you’s go out to Ronald McDonald, 98.9 WDNE, Tucker County Mini Fair Queen Jaelyn Myers and Queen Lindsey Knotts. It was great to see the Tucker County High School Band, the National Guard, all of the churches and businesses.”
Michael said she was happy for all of the clubs that participated in the parade as well as Sen. Bob Williams, Del. Randy Smith and Del. Danny Wagner. She said she enjoyed seeing the TCC Tumblers, Strutters Baton Corps and the many, many more who took part in the festivities.
“I am already looking forward to next year, so mark your calendars,” Michael said. “We want to see this grown and would like folks to participate next year, too!”
