On a foggy, drizzly Tuesday night in Baldwin, hundreds turned out to fill up on Christmas cheer and to cheer on the Angels Among Us. The theme for this year’s Habersham County Christmas Parade honored those who uplift, inspire, and have a profound impact on our lives.
Teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, first responders, faith leaders, scout leaders, and veterans were among those who were recognized.
Laura Saucedo Flores, the mother of slain Dekalb County Police Officer Edgar Flores, served as this year’s Grand Marshal. A graduate of Habersham Central High School, Edgar grew up in Baldwin. He was killed four years ago in the line of duty. Baldwin respectfully chose this evening as an opportunity to honor his memory and the family he left behind.
Dekalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos was among the officers who made the two-hour drive from Dekalb to Habersham County on December 6 to escort the Flores family in the parade. They later attended a dedication ceremony of a memorial marker for Officer Flores in Baldwin’s new city park.
Dekalb’s participation was a reminder that communities are not simply formed by geographic proximity, but by moments and memories and bonds of the heart.
On this hazy night in Baldwin, that sense of community was real amid the lighted floats, sirens, and delighted squeals of young children.
Habersham Central High’s Band of Blue accompanied the mile-long procession. The Grinch made several appearances, as did white-robed angels who walked and rode on flatbed trucks and trailers to honor the true angels among us.
Baldwin Elementary School’s float celebrated teacher Shannon Gibson, this year’s Georgia public school Pre-K Teacher of the Year. And the Habersham Christian Learning Center celebrated some of its angels, adorning its lighted bus with photos of women who have made significant contributions to the Center through the years. Among those whose contributions and memories HCLC celebrated are the Center’s founder and former director Sylvia B. Palmer and long-time Habersham County educator Nancy Bates.
Habersham EMC and Trailwave ‘electrified’ the crowd with a bucket truck and trailer decked out with Snoopy and thousands of beautifully wrapped lights.
At the end of the parade, Santa Claus rode into town aboard the Baldwin Fire Department’s ladder truck. He was met by the excited waves of young children thrilled to catch a glimpse of him.
The parade was emceed by Habersham Broadcasting’s Peter J. Callahan of 107.7 the Breeze. It was an evening of seasonal celebrating beautifully mixed with a reminder to all of the goodness that surrounds us in our community every day of the year.
