THE CREATIVE ARTS TEAMS
Providence Church

            The congested streets and enthusiastic crowds along the parade route were the best indication of the success of the Lake Providence "Christmas Parade at Night," now in its third year.
            The parade began promptly at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night, December 5, leaving from the Lake Providence Senior High.  The night was clear and the temperatures were perfect for the enjoyment of both spectators and participants alike.
            And for the organizers of the annual event, the success of the parade was a dream come true.  "Three years ago God gave me a vision of a Christmas parade at night in Lake Providence," stated Solomon Armstrong, one of the parade's organizers.  "And over the past three years, I have seen a collaborative effort of the citizenry from all aspects of our community come together with the same common goal, to bring a more acute awareness of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Thank you, Lake Providence and East Carroll Parish for making this possible."
            Armstrong stated that the success of this year's parade was gratifying to all of those involved.  "And on behalf of Patrick Johnson, Pearl Hill, Vernon Folks and the Voices of Tabernacle, I want to express our sincere appreciation for everyone that participated in this year's parade." he stated.  "God bless those faithful participants who have been with us from the beginning, those who joined in last year and made a good thing better, and welcome aboard to this year's newcomers."
            In addition to a number of floats, spectators enjoyed the sounds of the Lake Providence (High School ) Marching Band and were given a glimpse of several dance groups in Lake Providence.
            Festively decorated horses, cars, trucks and other vehicles (two wheeled, three wheeled and up) added their holiday touch to the parade.
(To see a list of participants, click here.)  [ '98 Participants ]
            Organizer Pearl Hill was reluctant to name the long list of participants because she especially didn't want to leave anyone out.  "It was a total effort on everyone's part."  Hill states, "We are especially grateful to the Lake Providence Police Department and East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Department.  They did an outstanding job."
            Armstrong agree with Hill.  "This parade gives our church families, our business associates, and our friends an opportunity to unite, not only in effort, but in spirit,"  he explained.  Armstrong stated that the group was already looking to next year.  "The parade has grown as I have prayed it would," he stated, "and if this year was any indication of the future, Christmas 1999 should be something special."
            Armstrong stated that he shares another vision, along with Patrick Johnson, for the future of Lake Providence and the Christmas Parade at Night.  "I would like to see us attract people here from Arkansas and Mississippi, as well as surrounding communities," he stated.  "They will be coming here not to see the bad things that can happen anywhere, but to see a great thing - people on one accord, praising God and His son, Jesus!"

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