To the editor:
The Holiday Light Parade is just around the corner! Have you decided yet what your entry will be? The Chamber of Commerce, along with The Salvation Army of Brown County, invites you to join us Saturday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. for our annual Holiday Light Parade and Salvation Army Toy Drive. Decorate a float, decorate your truck, your tractor, your fur-baby, or even yourself! Whatever you choose, just light it up and join the fun!
The Salvation Army of Brown County launched its first toy drive in 2008, with meager beginnings and minimal advertising. But with amazing community support, we were able to bless many Brown County families. When families fall on hard times (regardless of the reason), Christmas can become a time fraught with anxiety, a time of additional burden.
In 2012, Ted Hayes had a vision for a holiday parade through the town of Nashville, to bring not only a greater awareness to our annual toy drive, but with the ultimate goal that the children will have something under the tree on Christmas morning, who may not otherwise get to experience that excitement.
That first year’s parade was on a freezing cold Saturday evening, with temperatures below zero. But it was magic, majestic and miracle. It was a huge success. Families lined the streets cheering and waving, and their children were layered and bundled like Ralphy and Randy, straight out of “A Christmas Story.” New, unwrapped toys were collected all along the parade route by both parade spectators and parade participants alike. The holiday parade was a keeper, and we’ve done it each year since.
The chamber of commerce hopes you will join in the festivities with your parade entry. You can find them on Facebook, and follow the link provided for the online parade entry form. You can also call them at 812-988-0234. For information regarding Christmas assistance, call The Salvation Army at 812-988-7019.
The chamber, along with The Salvation Army, thanks you in advance! We are partnered, committed and excited to see you at the parade and for helping us to make Christmas bright for our littlest citizens.
God bless!
Lt. Kenneth Alip, “Pastor Ken” (submitted by Rebecca V. Smith)
