Rotary Clubs Take Over Tyler Christmas Parade

TYLER — The Christmas parade that takes place in downtown Tyler is a tradition that East Texans look forward to every year. For a fear of being what officials term “inappropriate,” the city has opted to no longer host the event. However, KETK reports another group is stepping up to sponsor the event instead. Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman-Elect Bob Westbrook, says, “There are federal, national, state, and even local organizations that really don’t like for government of any kind to be involved in the sponsoring or the holding of religious events.” Now multiple Rotary clubs in Tyler will sponsor the time-honored tradition.

Tyler Rotary Club President Lisa Chatterton says, “We were very excited about being approached about taking over the Christmas parade because I think we feel we’re an organization that could really bring great things to the parade and also come together as volunteers to do something great for the city.” She also says despite the change, the public should expect an incredible show. “I think they’ll look forward to seeing a continued tradition in Tyler and being proud that we’re going to be part of that and have our Rotary name on that, but also to have the continued support from all the businesses in Tyler who want to have floats and that sort of thing.”

It’s also a solution that prevents city officials and community members from being at odds, says Westbrook. “It keeps clean lines for everybody within the community, so there’s no heartburn and it fits great with our culture.”