Christmas Parade: A Massive Undertaking Always Well Done

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Editor, Central City News

Dear Woody,

   Saturday, December 6, I participated in the 39th Annual Christmas in Central Parade. 

     I have served in the military, been involved in law enforcement, and worked in business here in the Baton Rouge area. 

     I am very familiar with the headaches of logistics, mobilization, and deployment of personnel, equipment, and vehicles.

     For the first time, I was a participant in the parade rather than a bystander, and I have to tell you I was impressed.

The start time was moved to noon because of a forecast of rain, the rain cleared off, and the parade started exactly on time.

With over 60 different vehicles, floats, and even a contingent of horses and riders from the Greenwell Springs Youth Riders, the parade rolled out from Zoar Church onto Joor Road, turned south, and delighted a great crowd of onlookers to its ending at Lovett Road.

I want to extend my congratulations to Miranda Denicola, Director of the Central City Chamber of Commerce, her assistant, Hope Willams, all the volunteers from the Chamber, the Central Police Department, the Central Fire Department, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and everyone else making this great parade come off without a hitch.

The crowds were friendly, the marshals directing and hustling things along were polite, and all made for a delightful experience for everyone involved. 

     Even the good folks that had to spend a few extra minutes waiting for the parade vehicles to travel up Lovett to Hooper and make the circuit back to Zoar Church are to be commended for their good spirits in letting the parade members get back to their rally point.

From an insider’s view, it looked like a flawless operation—and everyone concerned should be proud of the job they did in presenting such a heart-warming and joyful image of our city.

     Thanks to you all.

Gordon Hutchinson

Proud Central Resident

Constable

Editor’s Response: Amen!