Thanks to Citizens Community Savings Bank for sponsoring and requesting first right of refusal for future parades.

Thanks to Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon and his staff for handling logistics and entries. I also must thank him for allowing me to use the judges’ area if I needed it.

Personally, I’d like to see to a night parade. The current route makes afternoon photography difficult because you’re shooting into the sun. I understand the current route offers better planning options so if you have it at night it takes the sun out of the equation. Imagine a parade held with the Christmas lights down the avenue burning against the backdrop of businesses that have already decorated their display windows. I thought the last time the parade was held at night it was a great success. It reminded me of the parade scene in A Christmas Story. Sipping hot chocolate on a brisk December evening while watching a Christmas parade would definitely help get me in the Christmas spirit quicker.

Children wave as they pass by.

Thanks to all who participated and a special thanks to the Weldon High School band for deciding to join the show on Friday. Their performance at the review stand was Grade A.

It seemed from where I was everyone had a great time, especially the tailgaters I saw across the street from where I was.

The Grinch made an appearance.

A Christmas parade is one of the many ways we can help build a sense of community. We need more events like this — Lance Martin

Lance Martin is editor and publisher of rrspin.com