Roseboro business owner Teresa Powell continues her plans for the first annual Roseboro Harvest Train Parade. Powell says that this is one way to boost enthusiasm and get people motivated to give to residents in the small Sampson town.
The event, which was created by the committee, is a means of bringing people and business back to the small western Sampson County town, says committee member Teresa Powell.
“We want to promote the downtown and get more businesses here,” said Powell.
In an effort to get the entire town involved in “harvesting” what is needed by its residents, committee chariwoman Shannon Tew explained that organizations have been working to collect certain items that are in low supply for residents.
“In my many years in this town and in Sampson County, I have found that there are dedicated local citizens who are generous,” said Tew. But in knowing how tight money is right now for most, she and her group decided that there had to be another way to meet the needs. So, if one organization decided to collect books, then another group could collect coats.
Then, on Nov. 19, the items that are collected will be lined up as part of the “harvest train” as the main portion of the parade. The parade itself will travel from First Methodist Church on Broad Street to the old Western District Park which is located on Pleasant Street.
But, the Harvest Day parade will be more than about the items collected, it will also be a time to celebrate.
Several groups and individuals have shown interest in walking or riding proudly with this harvest train.
Powell stated that Tarheel ChalleNGe cadets will participate, mayor Roland Hall will be involved, and the Main Street organization will also have a float that will lead the parade.
According to Powell, the event will also have games for all ages, food, including fried chicken and fish dinners, and residents may also participate in chili and cake bake ffs to see if one person’s recipe reigns supreme over someone else’s.
In addition, Powell explained that the Red River Band will also be entertaining the crowd with “all sorts of music.”
Some groups, she added, will be vendors at the end of the parade. “We have one vendor who will be selling quilts,” said Powell.
At the end of all the festivities, those items that were collected will be given out to people in the community.
So, at the end of the day, a child who didn’t have a coat will have a warm one to take home or a resident in need of something to read might just have a book in their possession, all thanks, Powell said, to the generosity of people in the community.
Funds raised beyond what is provided by the “harvest train” will go back to the Main Street program to benefit those in needs.
“A little money will help fix up some buildings,” said Powell.
Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.
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