Independence welcomes Christmas with parade, ‘snow’
Dec
8
Written by:
12/8/2011 1:18 PM
Twinkling lights, smiling children, a man-made snow area and carolers transformed downtown Independence into Christmastown USA on Sunday evening.
Before the Christmas parade, shaved ice blew a man-made blizzard from a machine while workers spread the “snow” evenly in a play area.
“We’re blowing six tons of snow in tonight’s play area, and it took two crews to do it,” said Sue Muller, owner of Sno-Mobile.com, a mobile snow manufacturing company in Baton Rouge.
Police Chief Frank Edwards III cleared the way for the parade in one of the newly painted police cruisers. He thanked the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department for letting parish trustees repaint the police cars for the Independence Police Department.
U.S. Navy retiree Tony Cazes of Independence watched his 3-year-old granddaughter, Jillian Cazes, eagerly hop about as she waited for the parade.
“I want to see Baby Jesus in the parade!” Jillian said, adding, “I want a Santa hat, a reindeer and lots of toys from Santa!”
Cousins Maria Roberts, Amanda Roberts and Victoria Steptoe also were in the crowd. Maria brought her 2-year-old Jayden, Amanda brought her son Anthony, and Victoria Steptoe brought her 2-month-old Mylae’jah.
Despite being blind, Anthony does just about everything Jayden does, his mother said, and Anthony was planning to catch lots of candy.
Mayor Michael Ragusa rode in a decorated golf cart and threw stuffed animals to the children.
“We had 10 bags of stuffed animals, and they’re all gone,” Ragusa said with a smile after handing one to Anthony.
Katie Vicknair held 10-month-old Colin while husband Donny held their 3-year-old Bryce as the parade passed on US 51.
In the snow play area, 8-year-old Sami Smith made snowballs and their them at her 12-year-old sister, Mary Hanna. Sami is two years into remission from leukemia and recently had surgery.
“It’s so good to see Sami laughing again acting like a kid again. It’s truly a blessing!” said her mother, Gabby Smith. “We don’t get to do things like this very often. Two years ago, she went through a lot, and I’m glad to see her having a good time tonight. It is great! It’s awesome!”
Guitarist Tony Anzalone accompanied carolers Patti Anzalone, Malayna Anzalone, Brian Durham, Jada Bennett, Marina Anzalone, Anaies Neupert, Brookelyn Smith as they said Christmas songs beside the town’s huge lighted Christmas tree.
“I’m glad to be singing tonight with my husband and our two grandkids and our friends,” Patti Anzalone said.