World War II Veteran and Lubbock resident Phil Crenshaw, 96, has been named Honorary Grand Marshal for the 13th Annual Miracles Christmas Parade on December 9, 2017. The free parade begins at 6 p.m. at 34th and Avenue Q and proceeds west to Indiana Avenue.
Crenshaw is the last living chaplain’s assistant from World War II, and for several years has served as Chaplin of the South Plains Honor Flight. He was called to active duty in 1943 and shipped out to Okinawa to serve the Chaplin there and serving soldiers from all branches of service, including Japanese prisoners of war. His service ended in 1946. He is a proud veteran and a true patriot. Crenshaw was a successful businessman in broadcasting and in owning and operating a Lubbock personnel agency.
The parade organizers, known as Wranglers, continue to plan and work toward another successful parade. Entrants to date include antique tractors from the South Plains Antique Tractor Association, the Texas Tech Masked Rider, Grand Marshalls from the Texas Tech award winning Cheerleaders and Pom Squad, car clubs, riding clubs, and other organizations including several marching bands. Parade rules, fees, and entrance documents for the night-time lighted parade are available at www.miraclesparade.com. Anyone considering being in the parade needs to apply soon; the deadline for filing applications to participate is December 1, 2017. A mandatory meeting of all parade participants is Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 6:30pm at 34th and Louisville inside the Sunset Church Family Life Building.
The parade theme is “March of the Toys”. The final unit of the parade is Santa Claus, riding on the United States Marines float. Marines will walk beside the float to collect unwrapped toys from parade spectators, who are encouraged to actively participate in the parade by bring unwrapped toys to give to the marines during the parade. The free parade benefits the annual Toys for Tots Campaign by the Marines.
The purpose and goal of the parade is to bring cheer to every spectator, all participants and organizers, and to provide families and individuals a free event to build lasting holiday memories and traditions. In the previous 12 years of this parade, organizers have heard many comments and stories of how family traditions for Christmas now include this spectacular event. Spectators from not just Lubbock, but many surrounding towns and area counties come to Lubbock for this special tradition to kick off the Christmas season.
The public is encouraged and invited to attend the free parade, down 34th Street from Avenue Q to Indiana Avenue, starting at 6:00pm on Saturday, December 9th. Parade-gate with food and family and enjoy being one of the more than 35,000 people attending this year!
(News release from the Miracles Christmas Parade)
