Annual Plano, TX Christmas Parade | December 11, 2010

Every year, I look forward to receiving my invitation to participate in the Plano Christmas Parade in my Inbox and this year was no exception. I was beyond ecstatic to don my Wolford Merino wool tights, sweater dress, and bright red peacoat and ride in the parade this holiday season. 

Mr. Ken Gleason, one of the main coordinators of the parade is an amazing individual, taking care of each parade participant himself and emailing everyone to make sure the event runs smoothly and on time. I could barely hold the excitement in when he called to tell me my ride this year was going to be a Corvette. However, this gave me a problem…my signs are magnetic and Corvettes are made of fiberglass for speed! 

Once I arrived at the Parade sight and met up with Mr. Mark Ackerman who drove over a line of vehicles for the parade, I had to put on my thinking cap on how to get my signs onto the beautiful red corvette. While thinking, I found out that there was another queen at the event: Rachel Hedstrom, Mrs. Collin County International. And she was my savior! She had brought masking tape so we were able to get my sign on the car!

Of course when pageant queens come together, they have to chit chat. I was happy to meet Rachel’s Mom and we all had a fun time talking about pageants and our platforms. Moms are always a crucial role in pageants. I know without my Mom, I definitely wouldn’t have achieved the same level of success I have today. She’s my backbone, my support, and my number one fan, and I’m sure Rachel’s Mom feels the same about her.

Right before my driver drove us onto the parade, Mr. Ken Gleason was there to get our spirits soaring and thank us for being in the parade. His kindness and dedication to this parade warmed my heart instantly. I’ve been in many parades, but the Plano Christmas Parade has a special place in my heart. Plano is home to me and that’s the best part about this parade: the sense of community. Plano residents fill the streets (and I mean FILL) to show their support and watch the parade, no matter what the weather. This year, it was almost below freezing and yet the spectator count was still as high as ever.

I always enjoy my time giving back to my hometown of Plano. I would like to thank Mr. Ken Gleason, Mr. Ackerman, my driver from Huffines Chevrolet, and all of the countless volunteers who made this event possible. Not to mention all the awesome Plano residents! ;)