The 2021 Bolton Christmas Parade drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Groups lined up all along Bolton-Brownsville Road. Adults and children alike were delighted by the procession of colorful floats, flashy vehicles, prancing steeds, Santa and the Grinch. The Bolton News staff had a wonderful time covering the event.
Originally scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 11, the forecast for severe weather conditions that morning, led the Parade Committee to reschedule the event for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The theme for this year's parade was "A Joyous Noel." The color guard (Jefferson County ROTC) provided a professional and inspiring kick-off. Danny Lurk served as the Grand Marshall. Santa Claus rode on the B-Town Steakhouse float and the Grinch followed behind on the float of Gaddis and McLaurin, also known as "The Store" in and around Bolton. Gaddis and McLaurin is celebrating 150 years in business this year. Their float included hundreds of colorful balloons and a giant birthday cake. When Dem Drummer Boys drum corps passed by playing rousing cadences, it was nearly impossible to remain seated or to stand still in one spot. Every group and individual participating in the parade contributed to the spectacle and filled spectators' hearts with joy and cheer. A listing of the parade entrants is provided below.
Following are three slideshows of photographs we shot before and during the parade.
Slideshow 1 of 3:
Slideshow 2 of 3:
Slideshow 3 of 3
All photos by Susalyn Bennett of The Bolton News.
Following is a list of entrants who appeared in the Parade:
Grand Marshall, Danny Lurk
Color Guard, ROTC of Jefferson County
Hinds County Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Tyree Jones
Hinds County Emergency Management
Bolton Volunteer Fire Department
Congressman Bennie Thompson
Judge Tabitha Britton-Porter
Supervisor Vern Gavin
Supervisor David Archie
Bolton Chevron
Taylor Aircraft
Mt. Olive Church
MS Outreach Foundation
Merchants and Planters Bank
B-Town Steakhouse, including Santa Claus
Bolton Funeral Home
Bolton Veterans
Black Men and Women United
Dem Drummer Boys
Farr Animal Hospital
Bolton Outreach Book Club
Gaddis & McLaurin, Inc., including the Grinch
Taylor's Flying Service
Hinds County Saints Youth Football
Bolton Men's Club
Champion Hill Church
ElBethel Church
Gaddis Farms
Lifelode Group / Ashley King
Jessica Williams, Miss Plus America
Boy Scouts
LOL: Living Out Loud
Mt. Elizabeth M.B. Church
RGB and Sons Construction
4-Wheelers of Bolton and Hinds County
Classic Cars
Riders and Ropers on Horseback including Jerry Mayberry, Cowboy Robinson and Willie Stinson
The 2021 Bolton Christmas Parade Committee members are: Ms. Alfenette Robinson, Mrs. BendaLonne Thompson-Griffith, Mr. Eddie Gaines, Mrs. Rochella Sanders, Ms. Jean Butler, Mrs. Johnie Thompson, Mrs. Bobbie Hobson and Ms. Susie Carter. The committee wishes to thank the parade entrants, Town of Bolton, Chief Williams and the Bolton Police Department, and all the volunteers who worked to make the 2021 Bolton Christmas Parade a success.
