For more than 40 years, the Civic Women’s Club of Picayune has hosted an annual Christmas Parade.
On Monday, downtown Picayune was transformed into a holiday wonderland as decorative floats, school children, firefighters, horses, dance teams and much more pranced down Goodyear Boulevard and Hwy. 11.
This year’s “A Southern Christmas” parade was co-chaired by CWC members Rose Vicknair, Vera Beech and Tami Harris.
“We’ve received numerous compliments via social media from members of the community,” Vicknair said. “It’s a testament to our hardworking members who get the job done. The parade is appreciated by our community.”
Vicknair said there were 75 paid entries, 41 horses bands from Picayune Memorial High, Pearl River Central High school and the Pearl River Community College.
Members of Picayune and Pearl River Central’s High School JROTC marched in the parade as well as Picayune Memorial Junior High’s cheerleaders.
There were floats from the community little league and football team.
Little Ceasars Pizza was among the participants and announced to Picayune residents their upcoming opening. There were more than ten churches and a number of
local businesses also participated.
The entries were divided into 5 categories based on the size of the float or group, A for larger entries and E for the smallest, for judging purposes.
CWC member Darlene Adams said the judges are club members from different areas of the state.
Vicknair said there were so many wonderful floats to choose from, the judges had difficulty choosing a winner.
The winners in the A category were:
– Most Inspiring – House of Refuge
– Most Beautiful – Tara Tebo Attorney at Law
– Most Original – Dale Cattle Company
The winners in the B category were:
– Most Beautiful – Liberty Missionary Baptist Church
– Most Original – Pit Lane Oil Lane
– Most Inspiring – Westlawn Baptist Church
The award for best-decorated car was given to the Junior Miss Blueberry and the military truck was named best-decorated truck.
Leisha’s Dance School was awarded best marching group.
The Mayor’s special award was presented to the Ms. Mississippi Senior America float and the First Baptist Church
of Carriere was awarded the President’s Special Award.
Picayune Oriental Martial Arts College’s float was awarded Best Overall and Coca Cola received the Founder’s Award.
Elaine Nichelson received the grand marshal award.
Parade co-chair Vera Beech said once again the community provided a wonderful Christmas parade.
“Thanks to all who participated, either in the parade or as spectators,” Beech said. “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s to all.”
Vicknair said at least 30 women of the CWC helped with parade preparations.
“It’s all about celebrating the children at this time of year,” Vicknair said. “Christmas is a celebration of children and happiness.”
Henry “Bubba” Lilly attended the parade and said it was great.
“They had a lot of young people participate and I just sat back and watched and enjoyed,” Lilly said. “My favorite float was the one pulled by a miniature 18-wheeler truck. I really enjoyed seeing the Clydesdale horses pulling Santa and Mrs. Claus’ ride.”
Nelson Huber attended the parade with his grandchildren and said Monday night’s celebration was one of the best he’s seen.
Patsy Carbonette and her family entered the parade for the first time this year.
Their float was named “Let it Snow” and featured a fireplace, Christmas tree and a snowman. The children wore black top hats.
“We had a blast,” Carbonette said. “We wanted our children to experience what it’s like to give rather than receive. It was a nice parade with nice floats. I love it that so many members of our community came out to celebrate.”