MIDLAND, Texas — The Jingle Bell Jubilee Christmas Parade kicked off in Midland Saturday.
But while the community enjoys all the sights and sounds that come with the parade, those behind the scenes for the parade are hard at work making sure everything goes smoothly.
“In a sense this is like our Super Bowl," said LaSalle Williams, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Midland. "You know when we get to Christmas time this is our Super Bowl, this is what we work all year for. It brings together all departments and parks, every division, we all come together.”
But taking part in the parade itself comes with its own appeal and can be just as fun as watching it.
“I think it’ a really great thing for the city," said Shep Sites, assistant coach for Flame FC in Midland. "It seems like something that’s continuing to grow, I think they have more participants this year than ever before. So, it's something we’re excited to be a part of and hope to be a part of in the future.”
Williams says that’s what they strive for whenever they do the parade, participants wanting to come back the next year.
“It makes us feel great. It makes us feel like the city of Midland is doing something great to make people want to come back and do it," Williams added. "You know, when you have repeat people come back that means they had a good time, that means it was something good they enjoyed, and they enjoyed being around the other people that were in the parade.”
The parade ended at Wadley Barron Park, which had things like live music, food trucks, and even the chance to take pictures with Santa Claus.