Parade draws crowd downtown
TEXARKANA— After several days of cold rain and clouds, the sun shone bright Saturday for the 28th annual Black History Parade through downtown Texarkana.
The parade, organized by the Twin City Black History Association, had nearly 50 units that proceeded in sharp-looking ceremonial fashion through the downtown historic streets, offering spectators a visual treat that lasted nearly an hour.
Small children joyously scampered after the showers of candy cascaded from the hands of parade participants.
“We are just thankful for the nice weather and the entire celebration,” said parade participant Elizabeth Lane, a trustee and choir member with Mount Zion First Missionary Baptist Church, as she at on the church’s float being pulled by the church van.
Inside the van, Mount Zion Pastor
Riley Rembert said his favorite part about the yearly parade is watching the community come together for the event.
“The community involvement is terrific and we have come together in all kinds of weather — including wind and rain,” he said.
Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman said that this year’s parade afforded him his first chance to ride in a Corvette, something he
never got a chance to experience while he was in high school.
“Back in the late 1970 and early 1980s, the favorite cars were things like Cameroes, Firebirds, Buick Regals and Pontiacs, but I’m finally glad to get my first chance to ride in a Corvette,” he said.
Lizzie Warren, a retired Texas-side resident and one of the parade spectators, said she’s glad the day started out clear and not too cold.
“This has been one of the better parades I’ve seen,”she said. “It’s been a very beautiful day and it’s also one of the best organized parades I’ve seen in a long time.”