EDEN, N.C. (WGHP) — The nighttime Christmas parade that runs through downtown Eden will live on.
The future of the parade was in jeopardy after previous organizers announced in September they would not be continuing with the parade.
It didn’t take long for three women to come together and vow to save the parade.
The chamber of commerce had taken over in recent years but decided it didn’t serve to promote the local businesses. So with the parade on the line, three women donned their elf hats and got to work.
“You go down Washington Street, and it’s just packed on both sides, and you have your wonderful beautiful floats,” said Sandra Meadows, one of the organizers.
It’s a tradition that many in Eden hold dear, including Hive owner Leslie Wyatt.
“We wanted a parade, but we didn’t know we could take it on ourselves, so I was really excited. I convinced my friends to do it with me,” Wyatt said.
Wyatt’s friends Meadows and Ingrid McCraw put their heads together to start planning.
“The plan is to get them here early. We are discussing trying to incorporate some of the businesses and have them stay open early and work with some nonprofits to have little stations with hot chocolate and do some decorating, some ornaments,” Meadows said.
All three women are founding members of RoCo at home, which is an organization aimed at showcasing talent in Rockingham County.
“We wanted to showcase small business, artisans and crafters and things like that, and we didn’t see there was a lot of vendors for those kinds of things,” McCraw said.
McCraw said special events like the parade are part of what makes a small town like Eden so special.
In 2024, it won’t be going anywhere. With the help of sponsors and local supporters, the parade is scheduled to roll on Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. just in time to kick off the Christmas season. It’s a true labor of love.
“Family and friends mean everything … I think of all the love that is shared. We’ve already been shown love from some of the businesses willing to step up … It’s all of Eden coming together to make sure we have what we need to make it a success and have a great parade,” Meadows said.
All the local businesses are proudly displaying flyers. and if you’re interested in participating or just attending, check out the Olde Leakesville Nighttime Christmas Parade Facebook page.