Three local events—considered by many the kick-off for the Christmas season—are fast approaching. Christmas parades are once again planned in both towns, and the Lobelville gathering is especially poignant this year. The night before the Lobelville parade, the city will come together to honor a local couple.
The City of Lobelville invites everyone to their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 3, 2009. This year’s honorees are Floyd and Mary Lou Horner. The ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. Please attend and support the Horner family on this special occasion. If you have questions, call City Hall, 593-2285.
The City of Lobelville’s 2009 Christmas Parade will be held on Friday evening, December 4, at 5:30. The unusual Friday night date this year is to accommodate a very special parade appearance by the Lobelville-based Tennessee Army National Guard, Troop A, Regimental Support Squadron 278, Armored Calvary Regiment. The unit will march to escort Santa Claus at the very back of the parade.
Immediately following the Lobelville Christmas parade, a reception for the Guard unit will be held at Lobelville School gym. The unit will leave the next morning for training in Mississippi, prior to being deployed for the very first time to Iraq.
“We didn’t hesitate to change our parade to a Friday night when it was worked out that the entire unit based at the National Guard Armory here in Lobelville would be able to actually march in our parade,” declared Lobelville Mayor Robby Moore. “This night will give everybody in the county, and all the friends and family of these fine men and women, the opportunity to see the entire unit marching together, and give us a chance to honor them and wish for them a speedy return home.”
The theme of this year’s parade is “Hurry Home for Christmas,” which is the message being conveyed to the National Guard unit.
“That the National Guard has agreed to be in our parade the night before they leave is a precious opportunity for the City of Lobelville and all the people of Perry County to show support for these heroes,” Mayor Moore continued. “This Christmas parade and reception for them on December 4 isn’t to be a ‘send off’, but rather a ‘please hurry and get back home’ celebration.”
Several churches have expressed interest in wanting to participate in the Lobelville Christmas parade, to honor the National Guard unit.
“It’s the beginning of the Christmas season which is always a blessed time for us,” explained New Life Christian Church minister Nathan Thomas. “Every day is truly a blessing, but at this early December time, to be able to be a part of this parade and honor our Army National Guard men and women who will be going overseas to serve this country, is a rare opportunity that we couldn’t and wouldn’t pass up.”
Marching bands from Howenwald High and McEwen High have already been confirmed to participate. Any business, civic organization, group, club, school athletic team, or church wishing to march in the parade, have a float in the parade, or get more information about the events, may contact Lobelville City Hall at 931-593-2285.
“The Joy of Christmas” is the theme of the 2009 Linden Christmas Parade, scheduled for Thursday, December 10, along Mill and Main Streets.
Line-up for the annual event is at 5:30 p.m. (please be in line by 6:30) at Linden Elementary. Enter the line-up area via Cedar Street, next to L&W Home Center.
For more information, or to enter the parade, please call Barry “Bull” Arnold at 931-593-2943.
The parade begins at 7:00 p.m.
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