For some participants and spectators, nothing stops a parade

Jack Frost wasn’t nipping at anyone’s nose at the New Bern Christmas parade Sunday, but rain was.

In wet 60-degree weather, the brave participants and spectators disregarded the showers to see a favorite holiday festivity.

The Craven County Jaycees put on the parade “no matter what,” as one participant said.

Along Trent Road, just beyond the area where the parade started, Henry Johnson, 9, stood under an umbrella with his parents Ginger and Marcus Johnson and brother Jack Johnson, 3.

Henry Johnson said he looks forward to the parade each year. “I don’t mind watching it in the rain,” he said.

The clown leading the parade was not as lucky as the Johnson family. He held on to an umbrella with only a skeleton of a top. This was one day that the clown could have used a working umbrella.

Madison Taylor, six months shy of her third birthday was snug in her stroller covered with umbrellas as her mom Amy Sanders and grandmother Dee Sanders waited and watched for the parade to begin. Mother Amy said the baby honestly had been looking forward to the parade. “We came out last week and it was cancelled,” she said. Grandmother Dee said, “I just follow Madison.”

While the parade was short, with mostly pickups and vans, Grant Davis said, “I admire those who came out to watch and especially those who participated.”

Downtown, small clusters of people sought cover under awnings as the brief but dedicated parade made its way. Around Broad and Middle streets, about two dozen people were there to see the parade.

Francine Sawyer can be reached at 252-635-5671 or at fsawyer@freedomenc.com