New Year's Eve Parade

Posted by Linda J Bottjer Dec 30, 2006

Back in my Dallas days, there was one new year I welcomed in with extreme gusto. Trying to sleep off my revelry, I was awakened at 7:00AM by a loud pounding at my door. A friend, who had obviously not been as merrymaking as I a few short hours before, was trying to roust me from my bed to see the Cotton Bowl Parade.

I pleaded, whined and begged off, but the pounding continued. Finally with a large coffee in hand, aspirins in mouth and sunglasses blocking the morning sun - I was at the parade route.

Soon the crowd's excitement filtered through me. Granted my head still trobbed a bit every time a bass drum passed by - but I was enjoying it.

Nowadays, the folks at the Cotton Bowl Parade have become smarter. They now celebrate on December 31st. So if you are close to Dallas - by all means don't let this parade pass you by.

Kickoff is at 3:00PM (CST) and the route is from the corners of Ross Avenue and Pearl Sts to the West End.

The Grand Marshall is Rayfield Wright. Former NFL star with the Dallas Cowboys, and recently inducted into the Pro Bowl Hall of Fame Wright also mentors young athletes.

The Kilgore Rangerettes are always a highlight. Like watching halftime entertainment during a football game? Well these were the ladies who started the concept over 60 years ago. 18 other dance and drill teams are also included.

Auburn and Nebraska are the opposing teams in this year's match and their school bands will duke it out first along the parade route. Also joining them are 15 high school bands from around the country.

And don't forget we're in Texas and what would a parade be without horses? Not in Texas. Don't worry - groups like the U.S. Marshal Texas Posse are bringing in their four footed friends.

So quit moping .Your head isn't hurting - yet. Get out to the Cotton Bowl Parade, make yourself some new friends and celebrate the departure of 2006.