Pamlico County parade puts attendees in Christmas spirit

BAYBORO - Christmas was only five days away Saturday, and many who attended the annual Pamlico County Christmas parade said they were ready.

Hundreds lined N.C. 55 to catch candy, wave at people they knew and listen to the traditional sirens in the parade, which was sponsored by the county's parks and recreation department.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 683 roasted marshmallows over a fire on the back of a trailer. Members of New Life Praise and Worship Ministries of Grantsboro and Trent Free Will Baptist Church in Merritt rode through the parade in live nativity scenes.

Bob Powers, Frank Ormond, David Johnston and other members of the Sudan Truckers troupe rode east on N.C. 55 in mini rigs decorated with Christmas trees, bows and stuffed Santa dolls. Johnston said the Pamlico County event was the truckers' 11th holiday parade this year. Powers said he smiles more in parades than children do.

"And we're ready for Christmas," Ormond said. "And one of the reasons we like riding in the rigs is because it puts us right down at the same level of the children."

Ormond said the truckers were also participating in the parade Saturday to honor Sammy Lilly, a member who was in the hospital. Lilly participated with the truckers in the Dec. 14 parade in Aurora before falling ill, Ormond said as he adjusted his Santa hat.

Pamlico County High cheerleaders wore red and green reindeer-antler headbands. Behind them, the high school band filled the air with "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

A group of Pamlico County employees wore Santa hats and tossed candy from a trailer. Johnny Cross threw candy from a Cowell's Cleaners van. Matt Wallace of Craven County high-fived the man next to him after catching a Tootsie Roll bar. He waved his hands in the air as the band played.

"We've got great parades over the county line," he said. "But I needed something closer to Christmas."

Wallace said the 60-degree morning temperature was not cold enough for mid-December. He said he wanted the snow that was falling in Boston on Saturday.

Kara Davis of Oriental said she would take some of that snow, too. During the parade, Davis was counting on her fingers the things she needed to do before Christmas.

"Shopping's done, goodies are done and decorations are done," she said. "And I'm here in Pamlico visiting with family. Yep, I'm ready."

Arapahoe Fire-Rescue truck sirens blared. Techara Willis, 3, of Bayboro and other children covered their ears.

As the parade neared its end, people scurried into the highway to pick up pieces of candy, some of which was flattened by tires. Standing in a boat, Santa Claus waved at the crowd to signal the end of the parade.