Holiday

Reverse parade draws crowds, Christmas spirit in Oxford

Like many other traditions transformed by the pandemic, the City of Oxford's Christmas parade looked different this year.

Posted Updated

By
Julian Grace
, WRAL anchor/reporter
OXFORD, N.C. — Like many other traditions transformed by the pandemic, the City of Oxford’s Christmas parade looked different this year.

It was a reverse parade, meaning those in the parade stayed stationary, while spectators stayed in their vehicles and drove past.

Oxford’s Mayor said staff set up clear boundaries to help keep people safe.

"We want to do it right we want to obey the guidelines and be safe and sound for our community. That is the most important thing we can think of right now," said Mayor Jackie Sergent.

To help maintain safety, those in the parade wore masks and they stayed distant from other groups in the parade.

Participants in the parade created magical pods of holiday cheer, acting as 'floats' as the crowd drove past, waving out of their car windows and smiling.

Each 'float' stayed within their own group, and they had to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Participants who were questioned said they felt safe, and they praised the effort at maintaining a community tradition.

"I'm just glad they're trying this and not giving up on it," said one viewer. "You know, you've gotta give them credit. This is a great effort."

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