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By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - The 2014 Youth of Pike County Christmas Parade was held on Sunday, December 14, 2014. It went around the square in Zebulon where many had gathered along the road and sat in bleachers that had been provided for the occasion. San Francisco Giants relief pitcher and Pike County graduate Hunter Strickland was be the Grand Marshal of the parade, and Santa was there riding with his elves!
This parade was a dedication to our youth in Pike County and a celebration of a great example to our youth in Pike County graduate Hunter Strickland who was gracious as the City of Zebulon awarded him with the key to the city and Don Hanson, who coached Strickland in Pike County High School baseball, showed him the shadow box with his retired jersey. This is the first jersey that has been retired by Pike County High School.
There were floats full of kids and adults as well as walkers who walked on their hands and some who performed karate kata. There were fire trucks and county equipment with lots of waves and smiling faces. Kids picked up candy under the watchful eyes of family members, and some adults were picking up candy too! As each entry came to the square, John and Rebekah Hanson told the crowd a few fun facts that had been provided before the event began. There were 90 separate entries into the parade--and that means that all of the tractors were just one unit!
The community came out in a big way to support this youth parade, and many of the youth from Pike County were in this parade! There were people along the road from Old Meansville Road where the parade started all of the way around the square and some scattered between the square and the ending point at the schools where the line up began. And there was even an autograph session with Hunter Strickland and pictures with Santa at the Courthouse after the parade with singing from local talent while waiting for the guests of honor.
John Hanson worked tirelessly with the media, various entities within the county, and community leaders to help this event come about. After the event, he told Pike County Times, "I would like to thank the entire community for coming together to support the youth of Pike County."
Organizer Ginny Blakeney told Pike County Times some information that I didn't know before the event--and I was helping to publicize it. There were four meetings held in the time less than a month prior to this event. It was all done on the personal time of only about eight volunteers. Eight volunteers, folks. Next year, there will be more time to plan it and room for you to help out in a worthy cause!
I am going to end this article with Blakney's enthusiasm and thanks. The county owes Blakeney, Hanson, and the volunteers who brought this parade together a huge thank you for a job well done!
"First of all, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated in this year’s Christmas Parade. We had a tremendous outcome and I am so proud of how Pike County represented itself. We had ninety entries this year and each group’s presence was appreciated. There were many hours of planning and preparation put into this event, and I am so grateful to our few volunteers who donated their time and hard work."
"One can only hope for volunteers that go that extra mile in an endeavor such as this, and we were blessed with the best! To the ones who literally stepped up at the last minute and helped organize the participants and orchestrate the largest parade this county has ever had, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart."
"This year’s parade was assembled in less than a month - and considering the time frame, as well as this being our first attempt, I think the parade was spectacular. On behalf of our small parade committee and The Pike County High School Diamond Club I would also like to thank all of our supporters and contributors that helped make the parade and events that followed so successful."
"Those who donated equipment and helped cover all expenses are greatly appreciated as well. This event could not have turned out any better, and it was thanks to the businesses and individuals who stepped up to assist any way they could. The amount of support we received from such a small group of supporters and volunteers was incredible. This, to me, speaks largely about what type of community we have here in Pike."
"I hope next year we generate even more participation and interest and can continue to better this event - making it even more exciting! I saw so many happy, festive, and excited people around town that Sunday and it was a perfect reminder of what this season is truly about. I appreciate all of you who joined us on the sidewalks to support our entries, and then at the courthouse afterwards to visit with Hunter Strickland and Santa. This event would not have been as fun without all of you coming out to join us."
"I think we all have even bigger plans and higher ambitions for next year! That being said, if you are interested in helping out – whether it be donations of time, money, or equipment - I look forward to meeting you and working together when we call for volunteers next fall."
