The story made our hearts sink like a rock in the river.

For the notion of no Christmas parade made us shiver.

Where is the Christmastime joy, sense of community and spirit of giving?

Have we replaced it with plans of eating and shopping on Thanksgiving?

Many may be quick to fuss at the group that pulled the plug.

But running parades aren&8217;t their cup of tea to chug.

Marketing and merchandising, beautification and revitalization, development and publicity,

Are really the Natchez Downtown Development Association&8217;s keys to the city.

So here we sit in Natchez where our Christmas parade may soon flee.

But we all plan to gather &8216;round for the annual lighting of the big old tree.

Where else in the world does a Christmas tree earn a key spot in the middle of the street?

Yet a Dr. Seuss sort of fellow has come for a visit. He goes by &8220;Grinch&8221; and we hope we don&8217;t meet.

So what shall we do? Who shall we call?

Are we like Cinderella running late for the ball?

We think the time is drawing near, but someone&8217;s got to get it in gear.

Or else we won&8217;t have time to make the parade fly on time and it&8217;ll have to wait &8216;til next year.

Does anyone out there have the grit and guts,

To put on the Santa hat and kick some butts?

We hope for the children all across this fair land,

That someone has the courage to lend the parade a hand.