To the editor:

On behalf of the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank the people of this community for supporting our Christmas parade. It was wonderful to see the streets lined with people who had come to see all the floats and entries into the parade. It was a gorgeous day with lots of beautiful faces to enjoy it.

As a chamber, we continuously rely on the support of the businesses, organizations, and people of this county. First of all, the parade is only successful because of a core group of people who serve on the committee, led by Pauline Gruver. This committee, consisting of Hope Beckett, Dee Hammond, Kim Liles, and Mary Sue Rabon did a great job this year putting together this event. We had lots of volunteers who came out the morning of the parade to set up the route and get the city streets ready, others who came back in the afternoon to direct traffic, some who drove our vehicles with dignitaries, and some who did it all. A special thank you to Lee Howell who made sure we had enough vehicles. Each of these volunteers played an important part in making our event a success.

I want to give a special thank you to our media partners, the Laurinburg Exchange, WLNC, and WEWO. It was with their help that we got the word out about parade entries, dates, and times. The crowds of people at the parade were a direct result of what they did to help us in promotions. We greatly appreciate Gary Gallman of WLNC who served as our emcee for the event, as well as Cecil Chandler of WPDE who served as our grand marshal, who was driven by Dr. Brad Bethel.

We cannot express enough appreciation for the support of the city of Laurinburg and Scotland County for all their support from the police department to the sheriff’s office to the other services they provided during the event. Some people may take for granted all the people it takes to make a parade, but we do not take them for granted and are very appreciative of the folks who made it possible.

Lastly, I want to thank all of the businesses, organizations, groups, churches, and more who put in entries into the Parade. It was a pleasure to be a part of something so special. I hope everyone will begin thinking about what they can do in the Parade for 2013. Each year, we can make it bigger and better for all to see.

Thank you for making Saturday special for our community and the chamber of commerce. We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Blessings to all in 2013.

Tonia F. Stephenson

President of the Laurinburg/Scotland Area County Chamber of Commerce