The last time the town of Calypso had a Christmas parade, it was “way back in the day,” according to Brooke Hall. But this year, the town is bringing the tradition back, and for the first time ever, it will be sponsored by the Calypso Volunteer Fire Department.
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 3 p.m.
“We wanted to try to get kids in the community more involved and to provide a parade for them,” says Hall, a Calypso resident and volunteer with the Fire Department.
Not only will the parade provide local children with entertainment, but it will also provide Christmas gifts for children who otherwise might not receive any; rather than paying a parade entry fee, participants are being asked to donate new unwrapped toys, which will be given to the Toys for Tots program.
Line-up for the parade will begin at 2 p.m. on N. First Street; from there, it will proceed to E. Albritton Street, then to N.E. Center Street, and, finally onto Trade Street, before returning to N. First. So for viewing purposes, spectators should line those sections of Albritton, Center and Trade streets.
Fire Department volunteers are hoping to see a lot of interest in participation, and those wishing to be in the parade are encouraged to contact any of the following: Brooke Hall at 919-252-9909; Cody Hall at 910-915-5793; Roy Cottle at 919-223-3003; or Jason Hughes at 919-252-9082.
The deadline for parade entries is Saturday, Dec. 2.
