We'll get the only negative part out of the way quickly for it's something we've argued for several years now and that's to change the parade route only because it's difficult shooting photos into the sun and on parade days we may be the only ones keeping our fingers crossed for a heavily cloudy or overcast day.

That part said, there have been times when we wondered whether there would be an annual Christmas parade in the city, but kind-hearted sponsors have always come through to see to it there is an event to get us into the holiday spirit.

This was the first parade in two years in which there wasn't any adverse situations having the chance to ruin attendance — last year's being held under the constant swarm of rumors there would be foul play and the previous year's being held under less than perfect weather conditions amid outcries from thankless citizens saying simply have a rain date.

With an event like this, months and months of planning, we can only hope the weather cooperates and even under adverse conditions the parade is held and it is perfectly orchestrated.

We thank the city for pulling off another great event and adding to it — this year finally being able to bring the Greenville Public Safety Pipes & Drums here, a band which honors the fallen public servants who give their lives to protect the citizenry.

As we stood around the post office area waiting for them, we were not disappointed as they marched by.

Then, as the Elizabeth City State University Marching Band came by, we thanked one of the directors for coming again and their reply, met with a thanks for having us again, was they are coming back next year.

It wasn't just that this year's parade was held under mild fall temperatures and sunny skies, for as we have already noted, we'd prefer it be held under overcast skies for our photography purposes, it was that it is always a great community event.

It is an event which brings together various people from all walks of life, various faiths and various ancestry to showcase the services they have to offer, the message they want to send and the talents they have.

It is an event which requires precise planning and one in which the city has become quite adept with much needed and much appreciated help from its sponsors.

Sunday's parade shows, in an age where it is believed cynicism outweighs community spirit, that community spirit still has a place in society and we are thankful for that continued spirit.

We are also thankful for the lead-in to the parade — the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony held at Veterans Park, which is another reminder of that great community spirit that tends to shine through more during this time of year, but which always manifests itself in one way or another throughout the year.

Main Street Roanoke Rapids has become an integral part of the tree-lighting tradition, having its tree-trimming contest at that time.

We hope the city will start another tradition at the tree-lighting ceremony like it did Thursday — having a child or some other deserving person from the community flip the switch to the lights of the tree rather than a politician.

When we saw the look on 3-year-old Tyler Lasky's face after he pressed the button, it immediately struck us there could be another tradition in the making here.

The work done by public works on stringing new lights on the tree cannot be overlooked. It makes for a brighter tree and for a brighter Christmas season.

The events leading up to the parade and the parade itself are something we should all be proud and thankful for as the more we have participate, the stronger the community we can become.

Thanks again for the efforts of all those in on the planning and sponsoring the event and an even bigger thanks to those who participated and came out to enjoy the event — Editor