CULLMAN – The Cullman Christmas Parade was a great success! Folks came to enjoy the holiday floats, Christmas characters, the tree lighting ceremony and great productions by the Cullman High School theatre department.
Rebecca Branch, chair of the Christmas in Cullman Board said, “Everything has had great attendance this year.” She thanked the efforts of all the banking, retail, non-profit and county organizations that came together to help make all the Christmas in Cullman events a success. She specifically mentioned Waid Harbison, Beth Kibler, and the marketing department of Cullman County Parks & Recreation and their efforts in putting the plan together for the parade festivities.
Last year the parade was rained out, but the threat of rain this year did not keep people away. The weather was perfect for an evening out with the family. Sarah Orlando walked in the parade with Karma of Cullman. “Karma of Cullman is a non-profit organization group that helps needy people. They don’t take money donations. They take clothing, household items and toys, and they’re helping families this year for Christmas.” Sarah got involved with Karma by seeing their Facebook page. She was glad to walk with them in the parade and said her favorite part was making all the attendees happy. “Seeing smiles on everyone’s faces and waving hi to everybody was fun. I had a great time.”
Jaylee Canter enjoyed watching the parade roll by. “My favorite part was probably seeing the Cullman High School theatre department because I’m involved in that.” She came because her best friend was in the Charlie Brown production. “It’s good,” she added. She also enjoyed the tree lighting ceremony and said the best part was the Christmas colors. She said she will definitely come back next year and gave some advice for the folks that did not make it this year. “You definitely need to come next year.”
Another parade onlooker, Mandolyn Powell, enjoyed seeing her friends on the Charlie Brown float from East Elementary. “Whenever my friends called my name from the float and one of them hugged me,” she said was her favorite part. Mandolyn said she had a good time with her mom, dad and two sisters. She was glad she could come watch her friends.
There are a couple Christmas in Cullman events still to come including the 12th Annual Sportsman Lake Park Winter Wonderland that began on December 5 and will last until December 23, and St John’s 2nd Annual Christmas Festival and Market on Saturday, December 13. Mark these events in your calendar to help make your holiday season fun and festive!
Originally published in the December 8, 2014 issue of the CullmanSense print edition
