GOOD STUFF – Sense of Neighborly Fellowship

Dandridge Christmas Parade 2022 ~ Phot by Jeff Depew

Dandridge Christmas Parade 2022 ~ Photo by Jeff Depew

Strawberry Plains Christmas Parade 2022 ~ Photo by Marihelen Ballard

Strawberry Plains Christmas Parade 2022 ~ Photo by Marihelen Ballard

Dandridge Christmas Parade 2022 ~ Photo by Jeff Depew

GOOD STUFF is a column sponsored by RESCUE 180, dedicated to spotlighting the good side of the news.

Saturday marked the conclusion of Christmas Parade Season across Jefferson County. Starting the first Saturday in December to the last Saturday before Christmas Day, the streets of Jefferson County are lined with parade goers and participants. While many communities across the nation host parades, none are more enthusiastically attended than those here in Jefferson County.

For many, the local parades represent a link to a fond memory. Both the young and the young at heart gather to celebrate. While there may be few, if any, fancy floats or animations there is an abundance of spirit in the Jefferson County parades. Onlookers are excited to see their farming neighbors with their tractors decorated in tinsel and wreaths and the fire departments flashing their lights at the crowd. Cheerleaders, dancers, athletes and non profits toss candy to the waiting on lookers.

Christmas is the season of love, giving, family and community. It is the time that we are reminded of the beauty and promise that exists with the birth of a child and we focus on the spiritual gifts that we have received by the grace of God. It is truly the good stuff and it simply doesn’t get any better than lining the streets on a Saturday in December to hear the giggles of children, witness the sense of neighborly fellowship and to let the spirit of the season shine! Merry Christmas!