Despite misgivings about a possible culture clash, Taylor’s dual Christmas parades went off without a hitch Saturday, Dec. 3.
The tensions that had been building during the last several days over whether a traditional, family and biblical values parade could spark a confrontation with supporters of a second parade that welcomed LGBTQ-plus community members seemed to evaporate as bystanders gathered to amicably enjoy both processions.
The Taylor Area Ministerial Alliance had its biblical and family-themed procession, Taylor’s Christmas Parade of Lights, followed by the city of Taylor-sponsored Very Merry Holiday parade.
Hundreds lined Main Street wrapped in blankets and with blinking holiday necklaces and antlers to watch the floats go by, listen to carols and enjoy free hot chocolate handed out by the city.
“I am really excited about it,” said Irene Michna, who was out with her granddaughter Liberty, who was also serving as Mrs. Claus at Heritage Square. “This may be one of the coldest ever.”
The only noticeable sign that something was different were the numerous camera crews from various media outlets.
For years, TAMA has been in charge of the city’s traditional Parade of Lights, but this year, the organization added language for participants that “all entries must be consistent with traditional, biblical and family values.”
A float from Taylor Pride in last year’s TAMA procession, which included two individuals dressed in drag, raised the ire of some church members, officials said.
In response, the city this year added a second parade, billed at the same time and place to reflect inclusivity, but later clarified that it would be held immediately afterward.
There were no reports of any incidents from officials.
Even as the Taylor Police Department kept a watchful eye on the crowd, officers still managed to get into the holiday spirit.
When Commander Joseph Branson was asked by a boy for a sticker, he lamented that they were in the wrong pocket.
“It’s in my other uniform,” he said with a laugh. “Tonight of all nights I didn’t bring them; I am the Grinch!”
As the Christmas Parade of Lights floats rolled down Main Street, viewers lining the avenue were greeted with reminders of the reason for the season, including Nativity scenes, several gospel messages, as well as Santa on a sleigh pulled by a tractor.
Joyce Turner came out with daughter Teresa Turner from Thorndale.
“It’s more crowded than last year,” the elder Turner said. “This is our second parade today.”
Though TAMA signaled the end to their procession with a big green banner wishing all a blessed Christmas and thanking everyone for coming out, many attendees stayed seated for the city’s Very Merry Holiday Parade, which began with the Taylor Fire Department Honor Guard carrying the U.S. flag, followed by about a dozen other floats, including the Taylor Police Department, Red Cap Cigar Lounge and more.
Taylor Pride presented one of the main attractions of the Very Merry Holiday Parade — a greeting card-themed float with the message “From Our Family to Yours,” as well as a Santa walking and skipping around with a rainbow umbrella.
The crowd cheered and yelled “Merry Christmas.”
Following the second parade, the festivities continued at Heritage Square Park with a Christmas-tree lighting ceremony, Santa posing with kids for pictures, caroling, a live-band performance, and arts and crafts for the kids.
“I think it went well,” said Lana Emmick said. “In a place like Taylor, where we have two very separate belief systems encroaching on one another, it can either go really poorly or really well. I am glad it went really well.”
She came out with several friends in rainbow scarves that matched her own rainbow knitted cap to show support for Taylor’s LGBTQ community.
After the parades, TAMA organizer the Rev. Jeff Ripple said he was happy with the evening.
“I was very pleased with the number of entries and turnout for the Taylor Christmas Parade of Lights,” he said.
Ripple said there were about 30 entries, several from out of town.
Mayor Brandt Rydell said both parades exemplified how people from different backgrounds can gather in goodwill and fellowship.
“It went smoothly,” he said. “It was great to see so many people coming together, a diverse and vibrant community coming together for this event.”
