To the editor:

Past chamber chairs told me that one of the greatest events as chair is riding in the Annual Christmas Parade. It was my turn this past Saturday, and I found out that I couldn’t agree more.

When Parade Committee Chair Dorothy Tyson gave the “go” sign, our police chief and sheriff led the way down Main Street. They were followed by our special guests, the Marine Corps Band from Camp Lejeune. They were followed by our Grand Marshals, Chaka Davis-Smith, Roylin Hammond, Hyder Massey, and the St. Luke Ramp Team, the St. Andrews Pipe Band, and our own Scotland High Color Guard and JROTC and Marching Band. Weren’t we proud to see them? From there, you continued to watch representatives from all over Scotland County including commercial floats, homemade floats, cheerleaders, dancers, boy scouts and girl scouts, schools, pageant queens, horses, community organizations, businesses and churches as they made their way from Railroad Street to College Plaza under a beautiful blue sky. During my ride down Main Street, I saw a smile on everyone’s face as he or she shouted “hello” and “Merry Christmas!”

I wasn’t surprised to hear that the Marines said that this was the best turnout of any parade they had marched in this year. They were impressed that so many people lined Main Street to watch and cheer. I estimate 5,000 of you were there and I thank you. The Christmas Parade is a true community event organized by our community for everyone and enjoyed by all.

My thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time on Saturday to see that the parade went smoothly. Thank you to Chamber Christmas Parade Committee, and Chair Dorothy Tyson, for their hard work all year. A special thanks to Fred Fox who, in July, suggested inviting the Marines. And most of all, thank you to all of Scotland County for supporting the parade and showing what a great community this is and what we can do together.

Merry Christmas to you and your families, and all the best for the New Year.

Lee Howell

Chairman, Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce