Selma holds annual Christmas Parade

Published 5:34 am Thursday, December 14, 2023

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The annual City of Selma Christmas Parade boasted a strong mix of familiar and new faces on Saturday.

Selma native Brianna Miles, Miss Tuskegee University and former Distinguished Young Woman of Dallas County, was the Grand Marshall.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and the Selma City Council both had their usual spots at the start of the parade. Councilman Clay Carmichael drove the float, with council members Sam Randolph, Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas and Lesia James.

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UAB Selma Family Medicine presented a huge float filled with a mix of doctors, employees and children, which Candace Collins said was an honor to feature.

“[This was an opportunity] for us to support the community and show the community that we’re one of the care facilities in the city,” Collins said.

Valley Grande Elementary School cheerleaders for the first time got an opportunity to march in the parade.

“The cheerleaders were excited to be part of the parade, they were ecstatic,” Valley Grande cheerleader coach Janice Holder said.

Crane District Boy Scouts participated in the parade, which Boys Scouts District Executive Leith Wilson said is part of their duty.

“Being in the Christmas parade gives them an opportunity to show they’re involved in the community,” Wilson said.

The Gamma Alpha Alpha Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in Dallas County had a float.

“The Dallas County Zetas are excited to support the City of Selma and Dallas County in the Christmas spirit,” GAAZ Chapter President Dr. Constance Hendricks said.

The parade was an opportunity for political campaigners. Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn,, Dallas County Commissioners Curtis Williams, Vivian Rogers, Connell Towns launched their reelection bids. Commissioner candidates Mark Neely and Barry Allen Sr. each had floats in the parade.

Gospel Tabernacle Pastor John E. Grayson and his wife, Dr. Cece Grayson led the Selma Disaster Relief Team van. Southside High School and Dallas County High School bands also participated.