By Michela Gritti
The Town of Pembroke held its annual Twilight Christmas Parade on Thursday, Dec. 4, bringing together local families, student groups, and community organizations for one of the town’s most well-known holiday traditions. UNC Pembroke participated with a university float organized by the Office of the Chancellor, featuring the Chancellor, the First Lady, faculty, staff, and students.
The parade began at 4:30 p.m. behind the State Employees Credit Union on Pembroke Pointe Lane. From there, floats and marching bands, including the Spirit of the Carolinas (SOTC), traveled down Braves Drive, turned onto North Odum Street/Prospect Road, continued along Railroad Street, and ended behind Burger King.
UNCP participants gathered on campus before the parade, using a shuttle service that transported riders to the lineup area. The university’s float, decorated with seasonal elements and blowing fake snow, distributed candy to families along the route.
For many UNCP employees, the parade has become a meaningful annual event. Michael Gordon Byrd, University Program Specialist, attended with his children, who rode on the Chancellor’s float.
“I have never experienced parades until I moved to Pembroke,” Byrd said. “The parades here are so unique, lively, and frequent,” said Michael Gordon Byrd, University Program Specialist, who attended with his children on the Chancellor’s float.
“When my kids were first given the chance to ride on a float, I was overjoyed. They have had this terrific opportunity several times now and they love every bit of it. Pembroke parades have introduced me to another level of joy and pride in UNCP.”
Students also joined in, including members of the Chancellor Ambassadors. Alyson Murray said the parade is one of the traditions she looks forward to each year.
“Participating in the UNCP Christmas Parade was a great way to spread Christmas cheer,” Murray said. “This is one of my favorite traditions and I look forward to it yearly.”
The Town of Pembroke Parks & Recreation Department coordinated the parade, continuing a long-standing December tradition that brings together campus and community. With decorated floats, school groups, and families lining the streets, this year’s event again marked the start of the holiday season in Pembroke.