GOOD HOPE – A thrilling Christmas parade strolled down Highway 69 last Saturday for all the folks near and far to enjoy. Santa Claus lead the way as Herman Reid, Good Hope’s first Mayor, and the parade’s Grand Marshal followed closely behind.
The Good Hope Raider Band provided the music and dressed in bright red sweatshirts for the occasion. They marched proudly and played their instruments well. Huge fire engines followed behind the band, blasting their sirens and honking their horns. From nearly every float, handfuls of candy fell, landing on the ground in front of the crowd. People both young and old went away with pockets, and mouths, full of the sweet treats.
Beauty queens, boy scouts, horseback riders and guys driving old vintage cars and trucks waved happily to the folks alongside the road. “Merry Christmas” was hollered back and forth, over and over as everyone smiled and waved at each other. Truly the spirit of Christmas was in Good Hope that afternoon.
“The parade was cool,” said Tracy Williams who had watched the whole thing without her coat on. “I had fun picking up all the candy for the kids,” she said as she pointed to the four little girls perched on the hood of a car.
“I thought it was really good this year,” giggled parade watcher Meagan Patrum. “It was a lot better than it was last year. My favorite part was Elsa because my kids just love her,” she smiled real big.
From the hood of a nearby car, a handful of children squealed with excitement as the parade strolled by in front of them. Afterwards they chattered like little magpies, each talking about their favorite parts.
“I loved Elsa,” said four-year-old Zoe.
“Horsies!” six-year-old Alexis hollered out when asked what her favorite thing was. “I’m also glad my dad was in the parade. He drove a tractor and they threw out a ton of candy to us,” she beamed proudly.
“I love the horses too,” whispered three-year-old Casey.
Once again, Good Hope managed to show their folks a good time. Everyone who participated in the parade did a wonderful job of working together to make this year’s Christmas parade a success.
Originally published in the December 15, 2014 issue of CullmanSense print edition.
