Franciscan Sisters attend Greenwood Christmas Parade

Typically on the first Friday of December Greenwood, MS. holds it’s annual Christmas parade. The theme this year was; “The Sights and Sounds of the Delta”. This year there were about 60 entries in the parade with bands from all over the state and nearby states in attendance.

A few final touches are added to our float as we wait for the parade to begin.

The tree was trimmed with magnolia leaves, red berries and cotton balls, all native to the Delta and would have been typical of tree trimmings in years gone by.

Our students were ready for the sleigh ride. Notice the reindeer were ready to take off!

Let’s have a picture before we begin. Notice the winter coats!!!!

St. Francis was proudly displayed!

The parade begins to move. Sisters Kathleen and Elena walk on either side of the float.

At a pause in the route Sister Kathleen reminds the students on the float to wave at the crowd as we move along.

Sister Mary Ann poses for a photo op with the trophy given us for the float. The trophy is then handed over to the students on the float who proudly show it off. The trophy reads; “80th Annual Roy Martin Delta Band Festival” We received “The President’s Float Award”!

Even Kermit the Frog, whose home is in Leland MS, came to join us for the day!

The parade turns the corner at Fulton and W. Market St. in front of the Courthouse.  A school band from South LA was playing ahead of us.

The sun is setting as we cross the bridge on Fulton Street. The bridge marks a distinct change in the neighborhoods we pass and in the audience that is watching.  The bridge is the entrance to the more affluent part of Greenwood.

Sister Kathleen enjoys the moment as the sun goes down, reflecting that for another year the St. Francis float and Greenwood parade have added to the enjoyment of so many.

Now we see southern style homes all lighted for the season…

and fire pits glow with families and friends gathered around for the parade.

As we reach the end of the parade route the Boy Scouts’ float pulls away and St. Francis float retires for the year.

Community sharing and building are always a great part of this event. These aspects of a simple parade speak to the purpose and the value of the presence of the Sisters here at St. Francis of Assisi.