Goldsboro Jaycees lead annual city parade
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on December 13, 2009 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/MITCH LOEBER
Rylan Kornegay, left, and Carlan McDonald, both 3, watch the Goldsboro Christmas Parade roll by Saturday. It was sponsored by the Goldsboro Jaycees.
Sitting under a blanket sprawled across his -- and his sister, Trashana's -- lap along the Center Street sidewalk Saturday evening, 4-year-old LaTroy Harper sported a grin when a fire truck slowly rolled through his line of sight.
"Look at that truck right there," he said, tugging on his mother, Jackie's, pants. "Look at those lights."
"I know baby," she replied. "My boy loves a parade."
From fire trucks to politicians and pageant winners waving from car tops, the Goldsboro Jaycees Christmas Parade had all the makings of a small town celebration.
Tammie Waymond had her popcorn and hot dog.
Martin Sawyer brought hot chocolate for his two grandchildren, Eva, 5, and Thomas, 9.
There were even a few families bundled together with video cameras -- trying to stay warm despite temperatures in the low 40s.
"We figured it was going to be cold, but this is pretty intense," Sawyer said. "But hey, if they're OK, I guess this is what Christmas is supposed to feel like."
"You guys OK?" he said to Eva and Thomas.
"Yeah," they replied.
"There you have it," Sawyer said.
A few hours later, another celebration was held just a few blocks away at the Herman Park Center.
The second annual city-sponsored Jingle in the Park drew fewer people than the parade.
But those who turned out seemed just as happy to be involved in a holiday event.
There was Mayor Al King, who turned on the lights wrapped around a large tree by the Herman Park fountain.
"I do want to thank you for being brave enough to come out," he said. "And I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas."
Moments earlier, the Eastern Wayne High School chorus performed several Christmas carols.
And all the while, "sleigh" rides were being offered next to a hot chocolate and cookie stand provided by the city.
Jeremy Stone, 9, walked to the event with his parents.
"The park lots really cool with all the lights on," he said, standing next to an illuminated, inflatable snowman. "I wish it looked like this all year."