How did everyone like it? I thought it was better than last year and I was really wondering this morning how cold it would be, but with very little wind and plentiful sunshine, it was very tolerable and pleasant. :!: :x :!: There was one very negative thing I wanted to share, however. We moved around once or twice prior to the start of the parade, but as we were walking by I witnessed some pretty lousy Christmas cheer...not to mention poor treatment of one of Clayton's finest. Jones Lunch downtown refused to let a Clayton Police officer use the restroom after he asked them nicely at the front door. Apparently he had to walk back to the police station, which I thought was shameful. The Clayton Police are one of the classiest police departments in eastern NC. Why would a town business reject a police officer that helps protect and serve the town's citizens not to mention their own business.
"There was one very negative thing I wanted to share, however. We moved around once or twice prior to the start of the parade, but as we were walking by I witnessed some pretty lousy Christmas cheer...not to mention poor treatment of one of Clayton's finest. Jones Lunch downtown refused to let a Clayton Police officer use the restroom after he asked them nicely at the front door. Apparently he had to walk back to the police station, which I thought was shameful. The Clayton Police are one of the classiest police departments in eastern NC. Why would a town business reject a police officer that helps protect and serve the town's citizens not to mention their own business." There is something wrong here. Curtis Jones would not do that. Was it after 2:30pm and they were closed?
To the owner's credit, he WAS closed and he himself may not have seen the officer. Perhaps it was a employee. However, I saw the officer knock on the door and ask to use the restroom and they wouldn't let him in. I know that some locals use the backdoor, so I couldn't understand why they wouldn't have at least let him in through the back.
I enjoyed it. The W. Johnston band was very impressive, but all the participants were fun to watch (lots of Christmas spirit). My dog didn't like the sirens and horn-blowing by the EMS and fire Depts. Why did I have my dog at the parade, you ask? Well, it's a long story. I didn't plan it that way. He behaved himself and made at least one little girl from Knightdale happy. Nice job, Clayton. Snuff
Wow, I was going to ask that very question. :wink: I was in Cary shopping and forgot about the parade. Sure was a nice day to have one.
great job clayton chamber for a great parade -- the bands were terrific -- there was a nice balance among all the entries -- loved the catepillar plant entry -- very cute!! the parade was a lot of fun and one of the highlights of the season!!! thanks ccc
Liked the Caterpillar entry, also. But the"People's Choice Award" (OK , this people, anyway) and, as always, the highlite, was the Helping Hand Mission's Marching Unit. Always high energy and lots of fun! They always put them toward the end of the parade, with Santa Claus, saving the best for last, I reckon!!! Only complaint...they ran the parade backwards again this year, this from a life-long Clayton "old school" kind of guy! I suppose I'll get used to it after a while!
We enjoyed the parade also. I got a kick out of the bride that had come out of the wagner house and was "bopping" along with the CHS band because she was right next to my son and he was slightly embarrassed! Didn't have my camera at the time because I had taken ran all the way down to where they were at with a friend's little girl because she missed seeing my son march by and she was crying. I am just a big kid at heart and love parades anyway!!!
I love the music and the energy. feel they should be teaching those young ladies to respect themselves and providing with less revealing outfits. The ones they wear are trashy!
That's exactly what I heard people around me in the parade were saying: too less revealing and dirty dancing. Personally, I think it set a bad example to the youngsters. Town of Clayton should take this seriously. Overall, we enjoyed the parade and plenty of candies fo children. My personal favorites are Caterpillars and Dept of Arg giant cart.
OK, just a minor voice of dissent here, overall, I enjoy the parade, but why do all the floats look nearly identical? And why was a FUNERAL home van in the parade??????????? :shock:
In my opinion, it was not appropriate. It was a Christmas parade, not a "let's drag out a vehicle from every business in Clayton Parade"
Well, the floats seem a bit boring but Clayton is still a small town and my bet is that the Chamber doesn't actively seek out participates but mainly wait for people to call them. To me, I always enjoy the Dunn Clowns and the Johnston County Animated Animals (Shriners). They are always so fun to have there. Many of the commercial businesses I think tend to be tightwads...and I'm talking the bigger ones with exception to Caterpillar. They were very original this year. Kudos to them. Many regional companies miss out on not only spreading a bit of holiday spirit but also getting their name out there. The Helping Hands Mission Dancers...I'd say that I am a little embarrassed to have my child there seeing the girls shaking their stuff and yes, last year was borderline appalling. I have no problem with their performance with a little toning down and they seem to have done that this year. I realize its a cultural divide there, but that sort of behavior (especially from last year) would likely border on disorderly conduct on a public street outside of the parade event. As for the funeral home. I think they have participated before but used a limo rather than the van with the family inside throwing out candy. The appropriate thing to do would use the van to pull a float if the limo isn't going to be available but to their credit, they may have had problems with it. Keep in mind that this is the "Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade" and its all about the sponsorship from area members.
The Helping Hand Mission is part of the reason I stopped going to the Raleigh Christmas parade. We took my daughter last year and it pretty much turned into a free for all when they came down the street..Dont get me wrong, I enjoy some of that music for the most part, but I certainly dont want my little girl seeing that kind of dancing. I hate I missed the Clayton Parade this year, but I did not miss seeing that spectacle. It definitely does not portray what I thought the Helping Hand mission was all about.
Okay ... so I just e-mailed a note to Helping Hand Mission suggesting more modest and respectful attire for their young ladies in the marching band. I tried to be kind and share praise for their ministry and mission. Maybe if others contact them they will make uniforms that are still cool yet have the girls fully clothed?! contactus@helpinghandmission.org
Let us know if you hear from them. We would like to hear what they have to say. Hopefully, they'll have a better attires next year.
