The Rome Christmas Parade traversed Broad Street downtown on Tuesday night. It featured marching bands, floats adorned with festive décor, even an appearance from the World Series champion Atlanta Braves’ mascot Blooper, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Lisa Smith, the Executive Director of the Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism, was excited to see the crowd – and favorable weather – on parade night.
Scenes from an independent film were shot during the 2021 Rome Christmas Parade, enthused Smith.
Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper was a surprise guest in the parade. He joined Rome Braves mascots Romey and Roman for a celebration of Atlanta’s 2021 World Series title.
David Cross, the General Manager of the Rome Braves, was excited to be in downtown Rome for this year’s parade. State Mutual Stadium was the site of a drive-thru parade last year.
Janet Byington, Co-Chair of the Rome Christmas Parade Committee, attests that the parade officially ushered in the holiday season for residents of Rome, Georgia.
Local families have accumulated precious memories over the years at Rome’s Christmas Parade. Bill Byington, Janet’s husband, indicates that his favorite parade memory was when his wife was selected as Grand Marshal.
Local journalist Doug Walker served as the Grand Marshal of the ’21 Rome Christmas Parade. Top honors for Best in Parade went to Pridemore and Cox Orthodontics. A complete list of parade winners may be viewed on the event Facebook page.