by Tyler Ryder
New Carlisle continued its parade tradition for the 23rd year this year. The parade, which continues to grow in size and popularity, kicked off the local holiday season, while enticing the community.
Since the parade is older than any of the students at NPHS, many can't remember a time when they didn't attend it.
A local parade attendee said she’s been attending for the past 15 years. “Every year since I was born, except one,” she added.
Attending parade has become essential in upholding holiday tradition for many families.
She exclaimed that she will attend the parade forever, or until she can't get out of bed.
Each year the parade continues to grow and improve. This year, the parade viewers were welcomed with performance by the NPHS football team, jazz band, and show choir.
“It was pretty cold, but the parade was not bad,” said sophomore football player Nolan Szymanski. “I played football last year, so I was [also] in the parade last year supporting the team.” he said.
The jazz band is one of the more recent additions to the parade.
“This was our fourth year,” said band director Patrick Teykl. He added that his first year directing at NP was the first year the band was invited to the event.
“We started with two flatbed trailers and trying to stay at the same speed, which was really difficult.” Teykl said. “So then we tracked down a regular trailer which was a little bit easier.”
A local parade attendee said she’s been attending for the past 15 years. “Every year since I was born, except one,” she added.
Teykl admitted that this year was his favorite year, because they had done a much better job ironing out logistics. Teykl also admitted his favorite piece the band had played was Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” which was originally a request by graduate Kelsey Moore. Because it's fun, upbeat nature, Teykl said the band might play it again one year.
Brand new to the parade this year was our choir, adding carols to the celebration.
“It was a lot of fun,” choir director James Bennett commented. “We had a nice group of students.”
Bennett added that his favorite carol of the evening was “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” because as the choir noticed, the audience sang with them.
“I think we’ll definitely do it again next year,” Bennett finished, “It’s a good tradition to start.”