To the editor:

The Christmas Parade of Lights “Christmas Trees & Memories” turned out to be a fantastic night with clear skies and an amazing crowd packed onto Washington Street.

Main Street would like to extend a wholehearted thank you to our community who enthusiastically supported the Christmas Parade and made this annual event a success. We would like to recognize and thank our Grand Marshal Superintendent Bill Justice of the Vicksburg National Military Park for his participation and enthusiasm. We had a full line up of local non-profit organizations, businesses, churches, clubs, beauty queens, classic cars, scouts, and of course, plenty of bands. These organizations took time out of their busy schedules to provide our community with a beautiful Christmas Parade.

The winners for the parade this year are the following: Best in Show, Danny Hearn Trucking; Best in Business, Loving Hearts Learning Center; Best non-profit, Cub Scout Pack 193; Best Theme, McRaven Tour Home; Most Original, South Park Elementary; Most Enthusiastic, Warren Central Big Blue Band; and Most Creative, Gymsouth.

Also, we would like to thank a few people with the city who were instrumental in the success of the parade: The Landscaping Department for getting our downtown all spruced up for the holidays, T.V. 23 did a great job covering the parade for those who were not able to attend the parade. You will be able to see it through the month of December on T.V. 23.; the Vicksburg Police Department and Sheriff Martin Pace with the Warren County Sheriff’s office and its deputies for their co-operative spirit in keeping everyone safe. Special thanks to Sheffield Rentals for letting us borrow their Thunderbird convertible for the Grand Marshal to ride in during the parade.

We would also like to thank The Vicksburg Post and Lendsi Radio for helping spread the word of the date change of the parade.

A special thanks to the City of Vicksburg, our line-up crew, judges, Vicksburg Warren County and City Fire Departments, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Thank you to all that participated in the 2016 Christmas Parade of Lights and to the ones that attended to support the parade. The Christmas Parade brings a start to the Christmas spirit, and Main Street is proud to be a part of it.

We will see you at the 2017 Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights!

Kim Hopkins and Rebecca Sigh

Main Street, Vicksburg