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photo by Marcus Frazier
Louise Peabody waves from the inside of a gift box during the Natchez Christmas Parade Saturday evening.
Parade lights Natchez
Published Sunday, December 9, 2007
NATCHEZ — Hundreds of area residents gathered along Main Street Saturday night to get in the Christmas spirit and maybe catch a little candy during the Natchez Christmas parade.
Sitting on the float with Girl Scout Troop 606 in the pre-parade line-up Breanna Cameron, 7, said she was excited to be in the parade.
But there was something in the parade she was even more excited about than being on a float.
“Santa,” she said.
When the parade began, children jumped against the guardrails lining the street, straining for another precious piece of sugary treasure, bead necklace or other trinket.
Older people moved a little more slowly, but they too gathered the candy and other goods thrown from the floats.
And there were a lot of entries in the parade, exhibiting both the sacred and the secular.
Jesus of Nazareth made several appearances during the parade, some as a baby, some as an adult, more than once accompanied by angels.
Intermingled among the religious floats were marching bands, a theatre production, the Reserve Officer Training Corps, law enforcement and others.
Natchezian Carol Cotton said she came out to the parade because it was a community event.
“I came out to get into the Christmas spirit even though it’s hot out, and to see all the people I know,” she said.
Being a schoolteacher, Cotton said she had another reason for going.
“I felt that some of my students would probably be in the parade, and I want to be able to tell them I saw them,” she said.
As the parade began to wind down, bystanders began to question aloud if Cameron’s expectations — and their own — had been misplaced, but then came into view a fire truck with the season’s patron saint atop — St. Nicholas himself.
When everything was over, Tammy Orcutt, who made the drive from Jonesville for the parade, said she couldn’t choose a favorite part of the parade.
“I enjoyed everything this year,” she said.
Comments
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on December 9, 2007 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
:( the one parade i miss and they have a band at the end of it!! i'm soo bummed!! me and my kids would've jammed out!! i'm really bummed to have even missed this parade!! i look forward to it every year!!
it just gets one into the CHRISTMAS MOOD!
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on December 9, 2007 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did any of you hear about the little 9 year old boy killed when a float ran over him in Florida. It's on the news. So tragic.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on December 9, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"PLANT CITY - A 9-year-old boy was killed after being run over by a float in the Plant City Christmas parade.
The parade was taking place along South Collins Avenue in Plant City.
It reportedly happened near the end of the parade route.
Police say the boy was walking along the parade route and passing out candy from the Greater Heights Worship Center float.
When he went back to the float to get more candy to hand out, his leg got caught in a wheel, and he was run over.
The child was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City as a trauma alert in extremely critical condition.
James Phillips was a witness who was there to tape his granddaughter in the parade.
"I'm thinking what a terrible night for that family, what a terrible night," Phillips said."
Posted by LocustStorm (anonymous) on December 9, 2007 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Buttercup - You were kind of misinformed about the parade having a band at the end of it...
Yeah, there was a band... but by the time they got off Main Street and onto Franklin, they didn't play anymore songs.. and none of the girls in front of them were dancing...
Some of the people IN the parade looked SO bored and unenthusiastic... I know it was kind of warm outside, but it wasn't like they had just walked 10 minutes in the desert!!
The group of people I was with decided that we would wait on Franklin street, instead of trying to pack ourselves in with all the folks on Main St..... it turned out to be a bad idea because the parade seemed to "end" after it got off of Main Street.
I was disappointed. What is wrong with half these people? you can't even pull-off a 15 minute parade??? Is it that hard for the band to play more than one or two songs? And why
didn't they play anything on Franklin???
Like a lot of things around here, it seemed to me to be just another waste of time, effort and money, for it to turn out so poorly. It was better than nothing at all but it could have really been SOOOO much better!!
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on December 9, 2007 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks gemccull. It's so sad. The child there for joy and the horrible accident takes place. I grieve for his family. A very unnecessary accident.
Posted by callitasitis (anonymous) on December 9, 2007 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The parade was very nice and festive. But, as someone noted previously, after it turned the corner on to Franklin, no band music no performing, what was that about? Was I the only one to notice the young men with the leashed pitbulls weaving them in and out of the crowd? There were 5 leashed pitbulls on the corner of Franklin and Rankin. They were leashed and they were dragging their owners. If the city allows this, next year I'm bringing an alligator on a leash and I'm going to have a really good view of the parade!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 9, 2007 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, I saw the guys with the pits going up and down Main. Also, the guys riding the horses were running them in the street and some even went up on the sidewalks around Memoral Park. There were no barricades up on that block. I was really afraid they were going to run over somebody. The horses were scared of the noise and crowds, they were all lathered up and fighting their riders. We have horses, and I would never subject a horse to that unless he was trained to it, like a police horse. I actually saw little difference from past years, other than some of the floats having music and lights.
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
did anyone hear what this cost the city of Natchez? How many sponsors were there and who were they.
Pit bulls are a breed made for fighting. They should outlaw breeding any more of them.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW!! that sounds as though it may have been planned out for that group to have pits there (with the article and all that was just in the paper) i too would think that was a BIG NO-NO! wow!! that's all i can say..
Posted by justice (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 3:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Frogprincenessntz you are wrong on this . There's no such thing as a bad dog , only bad owners ! Your statement is horrible. These are living animals and deserve to live as much as you or anyone else . I've owned several bulldogs . If you get them from responsible breeders (AKC,UKC endorsed breeders ) you could't ask for a better family pet . Mean and cruel owners have destroyed the good qualities of this breed . Before openly endorsing genocide of a species learn more about it Frogprincenessntz .
Posted by babev1 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 6:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pits are not bad dogs unless made that way! We have one and she is a good dog the most mean thing she will do if you come to my house is jump in your lap and lick you do death she thinks everyone comes to see her. Its the owners that make them mean the dogs are not born that way and its stupit people that think pits are born mean! If you were miss treated you would be come mean too !
Posted by Crazynms (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 6:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is not true about the band. I was across from the place were they have the receptions and parties on Franklin and the band was playing and we also got to see the girls dance.
Posted by MsKitty39120 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the bands should have played Christmas music all the way thru . after all thats what the are there for. and the music is whats gets people in the mood. as for dogs , pets should not be there its for People unless its part of it... everyone knows they were there to something . and horses should all be members of clubs because they are use to crowds and use to be handled in crowds .... ok got my 2cents in
Posted by room62 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was also frightened by the pitbulls. There should be an ordinance against all dogs attending a parade. I have a great big loveable dog, but would never take him to a parade. The noise and people would be upsetting for him. Also, children tend to pet strange dogs. Other than that, the parade was fantastic. Kudos to Carrie Lambert and all her elves. Between the parade and seeing the play "A Natchez Christmas Carol" (wonderful, everyone should see it), there is no better way to kick off the Christmas spirit.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The ppl that brought pitts to the parade should have been made to leave. What a nasty thing to do after this other dog just killed Duke.
Posted by froggirl (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't see where the Pittbulls at the parade were a problem. Till you own one of these animals you have no right to say what they are capable of. I would not own a poodle because they will bite you quicker than some of your larger dogs and no one is talking about banning them.
What about Cocker Spaniels they are just as bad. Mayabe they should ban them. Believe me, my 7 year old son seen the dogs and wanted to know why we did not bring his to WALK in the parade?????? And by the way, all the Pittbulls I seen were still in the puppy stage and the were abiding the leash law. And I did not see one of them pulling there owners. But then again if you owned one of these beautiful animals you would under stand that it is there nature to show there chest and walk proud. Maybe if some of you would pick up books and read about these animals you would see that alot of the Search and Rescue teams use these dogs because of there strenght and durability. And even though all you hear about is the bad things that happen, you would be surprised about all of the good things these dogs have done. But since every one is down on this breed, then you should be down on all dogs. The next time you say you don't like Pittbulls, then you don't like any kind of dogs because every breed of dog will protect its self and its owner.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
froggirl - what you say is true about this dogs, unfortunately in this region, these dogs are bred to kill. Its sad but true, and in light of recent events it was just a stupid thing to take these dogs to the parade, there are too many children there and people are really scared of these dogs b/c of the recent attacks. In fact no dog should of been at this parade, its just too many people and chances for someone to step on them and cause a accidental bite.
Posted by darlysings (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the kudos for "A Natchez Christmas Carol" room62!!! I am the musical director for the show, and am having a great time with the performances. Yes, you all should come and see the show... it will be this Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm; and then the show will close on Sunday with a 2 pm matinee. It is a wonderful show, and will be sure to put you in the Christmas Spirit... despite the unseasonable weather! Some of our cast members rode on a float in the parade, and had a wonderful time! Unfortunately I was at the theater and missed it, but I'm sure it was alot of fun!
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vick got 23 months in prison. He ruined his whole life to fight dogs. Was'nt he making enough money playing football???
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Read my post carefully. I said nothing about killing any dog. I just said more of this breed are not needed. Any dog will bite. Some of the worst I have seen have been wiener dogs, dachshunds. The big difference is that most bite and turn loose and the pit does not. Even if you own a pit, you have to admit how many people, kids especially, have been badly mauled or killed by this breed. In our own town, a pit killed another dog. That we heard about, but the ones killed in the fights, you will not hear about.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
buttercup enjoyed all the e-mails. ...firered if you're here check your e-mail...
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
..callitasitis.. bring 'at gator on baby. I'm with mskitty Christmas is for caroling.
I would also like the Democrat to find out what it cost we citizen's in tax dollars to sponsor this event. I know I've been harping on it since day one, maybe they will write about it.
Posted by madpop (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is for froggirl, if you recall, it was a "puppy pit" that killed a full grown boxer. I to own a pit and as you say if you come to my house she will lick you to death, but the fact is and trust me it is a fact these dogs were created years ago to hunt and kill, they are still used to hunt wild hogs today
Posted by froggirl (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
True, these dogs are breed to wild hog hunt, but these dogs are also used on Search and Rescue missions. If you go on-line you will see documentarys on these animals that have saved so many peoples lives. I have raised these dogs around my son since he was born. I really don't see the problem with them. Yes it is bad about what happened earlier this week. Things like this make me upset about the owners. It is more of the owners fault than it is the animals. These animals love attention and do anything to get it even if it is bad attention.
Posted by justice (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
frogprincenessntz read your last sentence . " They should outlaw breeding any more of them." God forbid , but if you outlaw breeding anything what is the outcome for that species ? Death !
It's not the bulldogs that are bad . It's the owners !
Posted by callitasitis (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
froggirl...go to "dog bite law.com" and read what Attorney Kenneth Phillips has to say about pit bull, rottweiler, chow, and akita breeds. His site is very informative for the dog owner and the victims. He'll anwer all questions as to liability.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
True, Pits themselves are not the real problem - it is the owner and how they train them. The guys with the pits at the parade were young and trying to look tough themselves. I have no doubts they brought the dogs out to "show" everyone that dog fighting cannot be stopped. I pray they have another think coming. And as much as I love horses I have to say I believe that because of the careless attitude of a few riders, horses should be banned from the parade. A horse has a flight or fight instinct, he can weigh over 1,000 lb., and steel shoes can really make a dent in a skull.
Posted by LocustStorm (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CRAZYNMS - I don't know where you were standing, but by the time I saw the band, only like 3 drummers were drumming. There was NO MUSIC. I didn't hear ANY trumpets or anything besides those few drums, after they got onto Franklin. And the girls in front of the band were NOT performing. I have video of this lameness that I speak of.
Posted by callitasitis (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AMEN freedom42. It's all about show. They didn't come for the parade.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They had no business whatsoever bringing those dogs to the parade. None at all. As for the band/bands not performing, that's sad.
Posted by darylwalker (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd just like to point out to the grown man that was standing on the side of the road with his hands over his ears shouting "turn it off a$$hole" (referring to my siren) to me while my 2-year-old-daughter was sitting right next to me needs to get a life and learn not to come to a parade where he knows the patrol cars leading the parade traditionally run their sirens while leading the parade if he's that sensitive to them.
I too saw the pit bulls being lead around the crowd, and personally would have asked them to take the dogs home if it were my choice. I agree pit bulls can be as nice or as mean as you make them, but when they do attack, they're usually much worse than most other dogs since they're so powerful. Who knows how those that were being lead around the crowd were trained?
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd say that i can't believe that someone yelled that out at a Christmas parade, but sadly i believe it. Glad you agree about the dogs also. VERY INSENSITIVE.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And sorry your little girl had to hear that.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lol.. ((peace)) if i had the choice between hearing that and some lil cocky spoiled brat kid chunking beads or candy at me, my child, or a family member to see just how they can hit some one in the crowd!! i'd much rather hear!! i have made every christmas parade i can ever remember but this one.. and every year! it has not failed! i have had to almost run a float down and let a grown up on it know that this or that lil kid doesn't need to be allowed to throw if he cant' throw with kindness! I'M NOT KIDDING! my oldest boy's eye was red as a fire cracker one year from being 'tagged' by a dang tootise roll!!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After due consideration, I seriously believe this was the last parade in Natchez I will ever attend. It just ain't worth it folks. Getting hit with hard candy, having pitbulls roam around my ankles, being run over by horses and having to listen to profanity just isn't my cup of tea. I don't know how much the downtown development group spent, but it was too much. Oh, did ANYONE see any street entertainers? We saw 2 stiltwalkers and maybe 1 clown.
Posted by DZNUTZ (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Being a former owner of A large Rot and now an even larger breed, ALL owners MUST respect a dog's capabilities. Large breed dogs or a breed capable of inflicting serious injury should not be co-mingled with large crowds, especially when those crowds involve children and loud sirens. NOONE can predict how a dog will react in each and every situation. My dogs have always been big babies, but they have the capability to do great harm just by thier size alone and bite strength. If you don't respect the dog, THEY will teach YOU one way or the other.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 10, 2007 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you DZNUTZ! Even small dogs can get excited and bite when scared. Big dogs can do a lot of damage just trying to get away from the noise and confusion. They do not understand what is going on.
Posted by LocustStorm (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw pitbulls but only two. And they looked like puppies to me. Having them out in a large crowd like that would socialize the dogs and make them friendlier, if anything. Just saying.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Small dogs don't usually kill. I'd much rather deal with a poodle, chiuaua, etc, than a pittbull. I don't care to be at a parade to let ppls pitts adjust socially either.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They don't want them "friendlier", they want them excited enough to fight and kill. And mostly they wanted to show their dogs off - kind of "look at me, how tough I am".
Posted by LocustStorm (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't say that making them friendlier was the goal of who brought the dogs there.... And i doubt they wanted anyone to get hurt or killed, but I do agree that they were showing off their dogs for the status.
I personally don't like pits, myself. They're pretty and all that but when you've have them run into your yard and viciously mutilate and kill several of your own pets, for no reason, it makes you leary of them. I've never seen any other breed that seemed as easily... 'provoked' as the pit... of course, ownership and how they're raised has A LOT to do with how they act.... but I like rotties a lot better. ;-)
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