The Town Council approved a resolution Tuesday night that will rename the Holiday Parade to the “Christmas and Holiday Parade”.

Mayor Kristen Umstattd said the change comes after an out-of-town resident petitioned the council to make the change last month. However some council members weren’t happy that the topic had even been brought up. Councilman David Butler said he was, “absolutely stunned” that the council had even considered the change.

“It’s not something I can respect,” Butler said. “It’s a holiday parade. It’s not a Christmas parade. All religions are invited to have floats. It’s not celebrating a specific holiday nor should it.”

In Butler’s opinion, the name change will ruin the parade, which has been held since 1994. There is no upside to making this change, Butler added, and before you know it there will be floats and arrangements that will make the annual parade look like a courthouse lawn.

“Instead of people cheering and laughing at everything that passes, people will start to boo and hiss and protest,” Butler said. “Worst case, we’ll get disgusted with this and cancel the parade. It’s not broken, and it’s a wonderful event.
“We cannot put this event on risk because of one person’s request who doesn’t even live in the town.”

Councilman Thomas Dunn openly expressed his Christian religion and said he had no problem approving the resolution. Referencing the recent renaming of the “Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony”, Dunn said he didn’t think the request was really needed.

“This started as a Christmas parade years ago. It’s Christian based. I’m not going to say we should focus on that. The point is everyone should have an opportunity to participate,” said Councilman Marty Martinez. “It’s a time for celebration. “Why can’t we get along and be nice about it and be tolerant about it? I’ve always wanted it to be the Christmas Parade. I see no harm. It covers everybody so I’m going to support it.”

Mayor Umstattd agreed. As someone who enjoys the Christmas season, whether you’re waiting for Santa to come down the chimney or your expressing it as a spiritual time of year, Christmas should be a part of the name.

“This is the Christmas season. We have the parade because of Christmas,” Umstattd said. “This is the right way to go.”

The council approved the resolution 6 to 1.