02/22/13 — Parade delayed by rain threat

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Parade delayed by rain threat

By Josh Ellerbrock
Published in News on February 22, 2013 1:46 PM

MOUNT OLIVE -- Heavy rain might delay a celebration, but it sure isn't stopping it.

Mount Olive's Fifth annual Black History Month Parade has been moved from its originally scheduled day of Feb. 23 to March 2 because of forecasts of rain.

As for the event itself, no reduction in the parade is planned, Ms. Darden said.

Instead, Ms. Darden has added more with the inclusion of the Rev. Dr. William Barber as the grand grand marshal. Barber is president of the North Carolina NAACP.

"Put as many 'grands' on him as you can," Ms. Darden said. "He's out doing some things."

Judge Ericka James will serve as grand marshal and County Commissioner Edward Cromartie will serve as marshal.

As for attendance, Ms. Darden expects a slight reduction in parade-watchers but nothing very noticeable.

"There might be a few, but there will be so many attendees that you just can't tell," she said.