CHRISTMAS PARADE: Athens police chief Floyd Johnson chosen as grand marshal
Published 6:00 am Wednesday, October 25, 2017
- Blue Springs Elementary School fifth-grader Lillian Moss, center, holds a certificate and gift card from Trustmark Bank in Athens. The theme she submitted, “Winter Wonderland,” was selected as the theme for the 2017 Trustmark Christmas Parade. Joining her from left are Trustmark Bank of Athens Branch Manager Jacob Magnusson, Blue Springs Elementary Principal Cade Baker, fifth-grade teacher Robin Blankenship and Trustmark Bank President Betty Christopher.
The man riding in the grand marshal’s car at this year’s Trustmark Christmas Parade will be a familiar face to most Athenians — police chief Floyd Johnson.
Betty Christopher, president of Trustmark Bank in Athens, said Johnson was chosen for his dedication to public service and the Athens community.
“After many years of being involved with the Christmas parade, the committee felt it was a well-deserved honor,” she said. “He’s just a super person. … He does a lot more than people know.”
Johnson said he was honored to have been chosen. He recalls attending the parade when he was just a child.
“That’s my favorite part about it now; seeing the little kids’ eyes light up with amazement,” he said. “It brings out the magic of Christmas.”
He began working for the Athens Police Department in 1982 and has been involved in nearly every parade since that time, in some form or fashion. For that reason, he’s a little nervous about being “in” the parade as opposed to behind the scenes.
The chief said he’ll let his captains and staff do most of the heavy lifting as far as security goes on the night of the event.
“I’ll have my radio with me, so I’ll know what’s going on,” he said with a laugh. “(My employees) all do a good job, and I’m proud of each and every one of them.”
About the parade
The Christmas parade, one of Limestone County’s largest annual events, is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in downtown Athens. Floats and cars should be lined up at Athens High School by 3:45 p.m., and judging begins at 4 p.m.
Entry fees are $55 for businesses and industries, $35 for nonprofits, $35 for vehicles and $25 for up to four horses. Additional horses are $5 each. The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. Registration packets can be found at Trustmark Bank in Athens or enewscourier.com.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Winter Wonderland.” The idea was submitted by Lillian Moss, a student at Blue Springs Elementary School.
Each year, parade organizers allow students in the community to pick the theme. Other ideas submitted included “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa’s Little Helpers,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Candyland,” “Peace on Earth,” “Christmas Around the World” and “Christmas from the Heart.”
The lead band this year will be Clements High School.
