Darous Murphy, 48, drove from his Maxton home to watch his granddaughter participate in flag twirling. This is his fifth year attending this event.

“I think the parade gives back to the community,” Murphy said. “It’s for the little kids. The big kids in the parade provide an inspiration to them to do something similar when they get older.”

The parade began in front of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and ended at Pembroke Elementary School. In total there were 105 units participating in the parade, which were comprised of about 20 floats, eight bands, the local ROTC and many more.

Candy was tossed from floats to anxiously waiting children as the sound of horns and whistles filled the air. Cheerleaders could be heard from a block away in between the honking of horns and the screech of police sirens.

For the past two years, Denise Harlee has enjoyed the sights and sounds of the parade. It is about fellowship, unity and the children, said Harlee.

“Seeing my son in the parade and seeing the citizens support the children of the community is what it’s all about,” said Harlee.

This year’s parade was orchestrated by Gregory Cummings, a former town councilman of 20 years. He has volunteered to organize the parade every year since 1977, which takes upward of four months to plan.

“It was one of our most beautiful parades in years,” Cummings said. “All the bands were great but the middle school bands were truly amazing. The talent of our young children is unbelievable. The band directors in Pembroke are doing an amazing job.”

Cummings focused on safety this year. He enlisted the help of police officers from several municipalities, the Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s Office.

“There have been accidents across our nation at parades,” said Cummings, who escorted Santa Claus. “We dealt with a lot of safety precautions because safety is paramount for both participants and spectators.

“Seeing the sparkle and that big smile on a child’s face is just tremendous and makes all the hard work worth it.”