The two Shrine units might not have been able to make it back and the one band that did march — Weldon High School — may have been booked.

In our opinion, it was a matter of the show must go on as well as a matter of civic pride and, therefore, we are appreciative and want to say thanks.

We say thanks to the citizens who bundled up, took their umbrellas and foul-weather gear to turn out for a community event and show their civic pride.

A Christmas parade isn't just merely a celebration of the holiday season, it's a community event, put on for the benefit of those who live and work here.

Grand Marshall Will Hawkins

For those who attended they were treated to an enjoyable show in blustery conditions.

We say thank you to the Weldon High School Marching Band. You guys showed true community spirit by braving the elements and marching down Roanoke Avenue, sounding sharp and looking sharp, many wearing sunglasses, which we didn't know was an effort to appease the sun gods or just have a little fun. Either way, we thank you.

Thank you to the city of Roanoke Rapids for having a Christmas parade. We know you took heat for not postponing, but in our opinion, you made the right decision by keeping it as scheduled so as not to possibly lessen participation by having it on another day when others may have been booked.

Our appreciation to the city is not only directed to the Parks and Recreation Department, which oversaw planning of the event, but to the police officers directing traffic and walking the sidewalks and the public works employees on hand.

The CCB float.

Then there are the participants, from the floats and cars, to the fire departments and churches who honored their calling to civic duty and made an investment in civic pride. We thank you.

And finally, we honor the sponsor, the business that has made this parade work the last two years — Citizens Community Bank.

The bank last year stepped up to make sure we had a parade and stepped up again this year to make ensure the tradition continued. They as well braved the elements and the snapping winds to give back.

To CCB, we give a big thanks and appreciate your investment in community pride — Editor