10 UCW NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2009
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
Children are suddenly worried
about their behavior. Chimney
sweeps are working overtime and
in Hope Mills there will arise such
a clatter. On Saturday Dec. 5,
beginning at 3 p.m. at the Hope
Mills Recreation Center and
proceeding down Main Street
as the annual Christmas parade.
comes to town.
Kenny Bullock, the program
supervisor, calls it a, "good, old
holiday tradition."
Events kick off at 8:30 a.m.
with Santa hosting breakfast at
the Hope Mills Recreation Center.
Following breakfast, Santa and Mrs.
Claus will take a short break and
prepare for the parade that features
a variety of local organizations.
Grays Creek, South View
and Jack Britt high schools will
showcase their award-winning
marching bands. Beauty queens
from Fayetteville and around the
state will also be on hand. Local
Boy and Girl Scout troops will
march as will karate students.
Bullock says the parade, "is geared
towards the kids. They get the
parents out."
There will defi nitely be
something for everyone. The fl oats
will hold members of the Hope
Mills Chamber of Commerce,
the Hope Mills United Methodist
Church and include the Veterans
of Foreign Wars. There is even a
military unit from Fort Bragg
that comes dressed in Star
Wars costumes.
"Last year the parade
had 103 units and every year
we try to improve," Bullock
said, "the kids love the fire trucks.
Parents love the bands and the
horses. It's a hometown feeling to
start out the Christmas season."
For many residents it is
something they look forward to
every year. Thirteen-year-old
Brandy Martin says, "I love
going to the parades. A few years
back I got to dance in the
parade. I practiced for hours
and then performing for all
those people really got me in the
Christmas spirit."
The parade doesn't forget
the less fortunate either. First
Baptist Church will sponsor a float
collecting canned goods for the
Alms House. All the participants
and attendees are encouraged
to bring a contribution. Bullock
believes the canned good
collection, "helps the children
realize it's a season of giving and
helping others, while we help our
communities."
The day ends with the Festival
of Lights at Hope Mills Lake at
5:30 p.m. School groups will sing
carols. Free hot chocolate and
cookies will be provided for the
children. The Christmas story and
prayer will be read, culminating in
the lighting of the tree. Of course,
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there
full of good cheer and ready to
hear who has been naughty and
who has been nice.
Christmas Parade:
A Hope Mills Tradition
by MELISSA NICCUM
MELISSA NICCUM
Contributing Writer
COMMENTS?
484-6200 ext. 222 or
editor@upandcomingweekly.com
Friday, December 4
7:30 pm
Sunday, December 6
3:00 pm
Friday, December 4
9:30 am (school show)
Saturday, December 5
7:30 pm
Sun, December 13
3:00 pm
For more information
call Leslie Dumas
910.850.6363
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call Leslie Dumas
910.850.6363
For more information
call Leslie Dumas
TICKET PRICES
Methodist University
And Garner
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Children 5
to
12 – $5.00
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Group Rates of 15 or more,
call Leslie
www.dancetheatreoffayetteville.com
