Editorials - 11/29/01

Christmas spirit returns to Sylva

This year's holiday parade lived up to its theme - "A Patriotic Christmas" - complete with Uncle Sam on a bicycle joining the fun. We had music from both the Smoky Mountain and Cherokee high school bands, the Smoky Mountain Shrine Club and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's new calliope.

We had beauty queens and cheerleaders, church groups and businesses, fire trucks and police cars. We had both homemade and professional floats. We had county commissioners and Sylva board members.

Most special of all we had our veterans, waving proudly from the lead car and a special float, who reminded us of all the hard-won freedoms that make America great.

A happy crowd lined Main Street to watch the procession. Babies laughed and clapped at the balloons and glitter, and toddlers squealed with joy when candy was tossed their way. Parents and grandparents watched with glad hearts as the children's delight overflowed.

It takes a lot of work from a lot of people to put on a parade. Those of us who stood and watched owe a debt of gratitude to parade coordinator Betty Foxx, SPIR director Richard McHargue, Sylva Police Chief Jeff Jamison and his officers and the town of Sylva's staff.

With its old-fashioned street lights adorned with lights, greenery and glittery bows, Main Street looked beautiful. For that we can thank Sylva Partners in Renewal, both for this year's decorations and for spearheading Streetscape efforts that resulted in our more attractive downtown.

In the wake of Sept. 11's cataclysmic events, Sylva, like our entire nation, is caught up in a new awareness of our country and its symbols, our treasured holiday customs and our freedom as citizens of the greatest nation the world has ever known.

This year's Christmas parade was one of the best we've seen, and we appreciate all the hard work and dedication that went into giving all of us a night we can cherish - a vision of small-town America dressed in its holiday best, shining its lights for the world to see.

It was a wonderful beginning for what promises to be a memorable holiday season. Thanks to all who made it possible.

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