News Summary
In response to community concerns, Greenwood has decided to abandon the ‘Christmas Through The Colonies’ theme for its annual parade. The original theme, intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, sparked backlash due to its potential to evoke painful emotions. City officials are now tasked with creating a new theme that fosters inclusiveness and unity among residents. While some community leaders express disappointment over the change, others welcome the opportunity to create a more respectful celebration that acknowledges diverse perspectives.
Greenwood has decided to scrap the “Christmas Through The Colonies” theme for its annual Christmas parade following community feedback. The City of Greenwood released an official statement on Thursday indicating that many community members found the theme to evoke painful emotions.
The original parade theme aimed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and involved various elements such as Santa suits, powdered wigs, and parading patriots, all meant to embody the spirit of Christmas and American history. However, the city has recognized that the selected theme did not resonate positively with a significant portion of the community.
As a response to the backlash, the city plans to introduce a new parade theme that promotes unity and inclusiveness. Details surrounding this new theme have yet to be released, but officials have assured the community that it will reflect values that foster harmony among the residents.
The decision to change the parade theme has drawn criticism from figures such as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who articulated that this choice does not align with the values held by many in the community. She underscored the significance of celebrating American history and traditions, suggesting that the decision undermines the foundational values that define the nation. Evette has called for a reversal of the city’s decision, framing it as an instance of a broader struggle against what she perceives as attacks by the far-left on traditional American values.
This year’s parade was originally designed to mark a significant historical milestone, bringing together residents in a festive atmosphere while acknowledging the past. Officials had envisioned a celebration that would not only highlight historical figures and moments but also unite diverse segments of the community under the shared experience of the holiday season.
The community response, however, has highlighted the need for sensitivity and understanding regarding how history is portrayed in public celebrations. Many residents expressed that elements of the original theme could inadvertently remind them of painful aspects of the nation’s past, emphasizing the need for a celebration that is both celebratory and respectful of different perspectives and experiences.
In light of this feedback, city officials are now faced with the challenge of designing a parade theme that resonates positively and inclusively with the entirety of Greenwood’s diverse population. The upcoming announcement regarding the new theme is anticipated to reflect a commitment to community values and a shared sense of celebration.
As the parade date approaches, community members and organizers are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new theme, hoping it will bring people together while fostering a spirit of inclusivity and unity in this traditionally cherished event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lt. Governor Criticizes Christmas Parade Theme Change
Doug L. McAbee Named South Carolina’s Best College Art Educator for 2024
Family-Friendly Getaways: Discover Why South Carolina is the Perfect Holiday Destination
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Lt. Governor Evette blasts Greenwood City leaders changing parade theme
- ABC Columbia: Evette says Greenwood caves to political correctness after city scraps Christmas Through The Colonies parade theme
- Index Journal: Hundreds line Uptown Greenwood for Christmas parade
- WYFF4: Greenville Christmas parades 2024
- WSPA: Christmas parades & tree lightings happening in the Upstate
- Wikipedia: Holiday
- Google Search: Christmas parade
- Google Scholar: Christmas celebrations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christmas
- Google News: Greenwood South Carolina
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
