Midland Christmas Parade Organizers Expect Smooth, Safe Event
By: Katiera Winfrey
Updated: December 7, 2012
Parade organizers say, despite recent tragic events, the parade should run smoothly and safely while bringing loads of much needed cheer.
Josephine "Jo Jo" Parsley is supposed to be looking at that the camera as her family attempts to take holiday pictures of her at Centennial Plaza where the parade will kick off. However, her parents are finging it hard to keep the girl focused.
Meantime, parade organizers finish up the final touches for the parade.
"It's a close circuit route," said Mike Sadler, with Midland Parks and Recreation. "We just go from main to Illinois turn on C street to wall we will not cross any train tracks."
Not crossing track and safety is on the top of the parade organizers list of things to do.
"Midland Police Department and what they do is they have eight police and they'll do a rolling blockade."
"For the past few weeks centennial plaza has served as a place of mourning following the tragic train accident that killed four military veterans, but Midland Christmas Parade organizers say the newly decorated plaza has now been turned into a winter wonderland to serve as a place of celebration."
While the tragic events from November 15 are still fresh in people's minds, Jo Jo's parents say tis' the season to be cheerful.
"This is a time of renewal and hope," said Jeff Parsley.
Lea Parsley said, "People coming together is always the best way to heal and cope with the lost and tragedy.
In the days following the accident, vigils and more were held on the steps of centennial plaza. Now, it's a total different sight of families strolling along the plaza.
"We've had some tragic things and we're just going to accentuate and go on with the healing process," said Sadler.
As for Saturday's parade, Sadler said, "It's gonna go fine, everything's gonna be alright."
So far over 80 floats have registered to be in the parade. At the end of the parade, there will be a special Christmas tree lighting. Children and parents will be able to take pictures with Santa and possibly win one of 10 items being given away.
The parade is set to start at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street. The tree lighting in scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m.
