Fielder’s Choice - Barry Burleson


Thursday, December 9, 2010
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Fielder’s Choice
By Barry Burleson

Kicking off Christmas

I’m not a cold weather fan, but Sunday’s sudden blast actually helped.

It got me to thinking more about Christmas.

More so than any other year, I do not know where 2010 went, and I can’t believe it is two and a half weeks until Santa arrives.

Another big boost toward getting into the Christmas spirit over the weekend was my trip to Byhalia Friday night for that town’s holiday parade.

It was being promoted as the first annual Byhalia Christmas Parade, but I was told by some upon my early arrival Friday night that the town had a parade once upon a time. Whether it’s the first or the renewal, it was great being a part of the holiday festivities in the Marshall County municipality.

I drove in on Highway 178 (as I typically do) and the area across from Piggly Wiggly was active to say the least. That’s where the parade entries were getting organized and lining up. The town was hopping.

A good crowd of folks, exemplifying the holiday spirit, lined Church Street and Highway 178 awaiting the parade.

Byhalia police, perhaps assisted by other officials, were doing an excellent job of taking care of the traffic flow, blocking the streets and so forth.

Mayor Phil Malone, grand marshal for the event, led the way, and, of course, the jolly man from the North Pole signaled the end. In between were floats, motorcycles and much more. It was indeed a successful event and congrats to the folks at Byhalia Town Hall and others who helped organize the parade.

Afterwards, youngsters lined up to visit with Santa and Mayor Malone held a brief ceremony to turn on the beautiful Christmas lighting display on Brunswick Avenue in the park.

I left and just had to turn my radio on Christmas music for the return drive back to Holly Springs.

For I guess the first time since moving to Marshall County in 2001, I missed the Holly Springs Christmas Parade due to my son’s basketball game out of town.

But I’ve looked through many pictures made by Sue Watson and Lawrence White and no doubt it was another grand parade, sponsored by the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Garrie Colhoun, long-time alderman, was grand marshal, and of course, Santa was back in Marshall County or just stayed over a night for this one, too.

The county parades continue this weekend when the Town of Potts Camp hosts its holiday event Saturday, Dec. 11, at 12 noon.

The greatest thing about parades is watching the children. I see their faces light up when the floats and bands pass by. I see them looking for candy and hoping every entry that passes has candy. Then when it’s thrown, they try to catch it, but if not, they race for it on the pavement.

And I hear them shout – “Santa, Santa” as they get a glimpse of him atop the fire truck. The smiles are always plentiful.

I remember looking forward to my hometown parade as a child – stuffing my pants pockets and coat pockets with candy.

Since then I’ve even participated in a parade or two myself. It’s a great way to kick off the season.

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