Kinston Christmas parade sneaks through rainy weather

Lenoir Community College President Brantley Briley was named by some onlookers as one of the best motorcyle riders in Kinston's annual Christmas parade Dec. 11, 2010. He modestly waved at some of his admirers throughout the mile-long parade.

Organizers of Kinston's long expected Christmas event didn't let an overcast sky rain on their parade.

To the relief of the parade committee, a steady downpour eased up right at starting time, 10:00 am Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, allowing the Christmas parade with 99 participating units to march into the warm applause of hundreds who lined Queen Street. They came in faith that marching bands and floats—with Santa Claus waving at the end—would wind their way down the Magic Mile.

The float depicting a warm and fuzzy cabin scene, produced by Caswell Developmental Center, was chosen as the best float in Kinston's annual Christmas parade.

Although pesky rain drops peppered the crowd towards the end of the parade, the organizing group, led by Martha Bishop, Lea Jeffress, Tim Knobeloch and Pride of Kinston's Debra Oliver breathed a sigh of relief when Santa rode by the reviewing stand.

Santa Claus, the guest of honor in Kinston's annual Christmas parade, was escorted by a platoon of police cars to end the parade consisting of 99 enthusiastic and colorful participating units.

Despite Mother Nature, the 2010 parade was history: it happened, and on time. Downtown Christmas shopping could begin in earnest!

The Kinston High School band, decked out in colorful green and white uniforms, was a hit in Kinston's annual Christmas parade.

New landscaping in line for CSS II

The replica of the CSS Ram Neuse, located at the corner of Gordon and Herritage Streets in downtown Kinston, and growing in popularity as a tourist destination, is on the verge of receiving new and dramatic landscaping.

Pride of Kinston's Design Committee recently designated the project a "Major Appearance Project" and committed funds to acquire and install plant materials. The attraction, owned and operated by the CSS Neuse Foundation, has been the focus of much community attention since its 2002 inception.

John Nix, President of the CSS Neuse Foundation, presented the organization's request to the Design Committee at its December 1, 2010 meeting. He was accompanied by Charles Hughes, CEO of Wheat Swamp Landscaping, who made a commitment for his company to maintain the landscaping for at least its first year.

Pride leaders recognized

Two Pride of Kinston leaders were recently honored by the Kinston Free Press as being among the Class of 2010 20 Under 40 local leaders.

Mark Herring, attorney at White and Allen, was recognized for his civic involvement including serving as Chair of Pride's Board of Directors.

Marc McConnell, a member of Pride's Property Development Committee, was recognized for businesses leadership on a local and national level.

The two men and 18 others were presented certificates of achievement at a Dec. 7, 2010 dinner hosted by the Young Professionals of Lenoir County. The honors were announced by Patrick Holmes, Editor and Publisher of the Kinston Free Press,

Planning for Mar. 26 Run for the River underway

Devin Swann of Raleigh, who ran the Kinston 8000: Run for the River 8k race (4.97 miles) Mar. 27, 2010 in a record 24:00 minutes, crosses the finish line to win the 1st place trophy and a check of $500. Planning for the 2011 6th annual race, to be held Mar. 26, 2011, has begun.

Kinston Mayor B.J. Murphy (right) poses with the top six male and female runners who carried home checks and trophies after competing in the 5th annual Kinston 8000: Run for the River held Mar. 27, 2010. Planning for the 2011 race to be held Mar. 26, 2011 is underway.