‘The spirit of the season’: Orangeburg gathers for Christmas parade

The warm temperature and overcast skies did not dampen the spirit of Christmas for attendees such as Debbie Jeffcoat of Charlotte, who was enjoying her first Christmas parade in Orangeburg.

“I actually used to live here. I was coming back to spend the weekend with my girlfriend. She said, ‘Deb, let’s go to the parade?’ I said, ‘Why not?’ So here I am,’” Jeffcoat said.

“I lived in Orangeburg for five years and never heard of a parade at Christmas. So maybe I just didn’t listen, but my ears hear it now,” she said.

There was indeed a lot to hear and see at the parade, including an array of motorcycles and trucks. Music from marching bands, including the Marching 101 of South Carolina State University, also filled the streets with songs such as “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Jeffcoat’s friend, Jean Cleckner, had just moved to Orangeburg from Maryland.

“I just moved here a year ago. This is my first Christmas parade. I love it! I’m coming back. I think it’s wonderful,” she said.

A variety of churches and organizations, including dance troupes and the Girl Scouts, were also represented at the parade.

Teresa Thompson said she was there to see her granddaughter, Ashanti, who was participating in the parade as a member of her local Girl Scouts troop. Thompson was joined by her son, Shawn, Ashanti’s father, and his other young son.

“It don’t feel like Christmastime. It’s too warm for Christmas, but I like the bands and the cars and motorcycles and all that,” Thompson said.

Vanessa Williams was joined by several members of her church, New City Fellowship of Orangeburg.

The mother of five said her daughter, Jayla, was participating in the parade as a part of Orangeburg’s S.A.F.E. Organization, which promotes self-esteem, advocacy, faith and education among youth.

Williams said she enjoyed the parade, including the appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end, when her young children and others from her church gathered to greet him.

“It was great. We love to be around family and friends and fellowship. This is just another opportunity for us to do that. I can’t even choose a favorite part. It was all good. It’s the spirit of the season,” Williams said.