EDWARD — Sunday afternoon’s rain brought a soggy end to Beaufort County’s Christmas parade schedule, but the weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the participants.
The final parade, sponsored by Edward Christian Church, kept rolling despite frequent showers. It was the third such event hosted by the church.
“We try to get the whole community involved. … It’s all about the community,” said David Linton, the church’s pastor. “We do this to pull the community together, to show them that we care. Sometimes it’s hard to make a dent in society, but this makes a dent.”
Stars of the parade included grand marshals Charlie and Dee Dee Cutler, he an Edward native and she a longtime resident who grew up in the nearby Blounts Creek area. Also featured during the procession were church and civic organizations, local fire and rescue units, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Claus and even a couple of brave souls on horseback, who didn’t let the weather deter them from enjoying the parade.
According to Linton, the parade is a project embraced by the entire congregation.
“And they’re excited to do it,” he added. “I want to thank everyone for their cooperation and their great spirit. They’ve really worked hard.”
Earlier this Christmas season parades were held in Chocowinity, Washington, Bath, Belhaven and Aurora.