Praising Jesus while Social Distancing

By Robin Gregg

Marcie Buckman coordinated the Easter Parade through Paris on Easter Sunday to praise the Lord and share Easter Greetings to the Paris community as well as bringing waves and smiles to those watching from the Miller Resident Care and Monroe Manor residents.

This was a social distancing event, no one was to leave their family vehicle. Started at the Paris High School where a Blessing was given by Reverend Wesley Hammond.

Members of different churches posted signs with names of their parish showing our unity this Easter.

Thanks to anyone who participates. We couldn’t spend Easter together in our churches this year, so hope we honored Jesus at Easter by bringing some joy and hope to our neighbors.

Somewhere over 50 cars participated. Marcie said, “We purchased gift certificates from eight businesses closed because of virus. I’m hopeful those businesses will be open soon, and Paris people will go out of their way to support these hurting businesses. Two houses in Paris with Easter decorations were selected by two separate people to win certificates. Those selected were Heather Watson and Rita Wilkerson. They received certificates drawn at random and will be mailed. Eight vehicles were picked by random number as they lined up at the high school were also were presented random certificates. I hope this will remind us all how lucky we are to have all of our businesses.”

Special thanks to Wesley Hammond for saying a prayer at beginning of the Parade. Special thanks to The Cowboy Church and the George Bright family who helped Marcie to purchase gift certificates from our closed businesses. Ten children’s names are being drawn to receive Frost Bite gift certificates that will be mailed to them.

“I can not thank all those that joined together to bring a little Easter joy and hope to our community. With a 90 percent chance of rain we were blessed it did not rain on our parade,” said Marcie.

The children winners for the Easter Day Parade were Adam Farrell, Zach Howard, Presley Wheeler, Danny Farrell, Paisley Wheeler, Kaylee Knight, Keaton Craig, Thomas Clinton, Carson Umstattd, Kohen Knight. Home winners were Heather Watson and Rita Wilkerson. Eight vehicles were also selected by random number and awarded gift certificate. Kids and home certificates will be delivered by mail.

I live fed the Easter Day Vehicle Parade and it can be viewed on the Monroe County Appeal Facebook page. A photo gallery can also be viewed online. Hope you had a blessed Easter!

Photos by Robin Gregg