Mayor Diane Delaware says Yazoo City's Christmas Parade continues to grow, but those who can't follow the rules will have to stay at home.
Delaware said the parade was a success with increased participation and a record number of marching bands. She said there were some growing pains this year, but the city will learn from those experiences.
"We are aware of some of our shortcomings, especially the gaps in the parade," she said. "We had eight different bands performing in this year's parade, and we have to learn as we go. We have more bands in our parade than anyone else. It has become a tourist event."
One issue that has been the subject of much discussion after a video was circulated on social media was the mayor ejected a motorcycle rider and an ATV driver from the parade. Delaware said ATVs were not supposed to be in the parade, but some were mistakenly allowed to participate. She said she personally ejected some participants because they were driving in a dangerous manner.
"The ATV and motorcycle drivers simply refuse under any circumstances to stay in place," she said. "It is dangerous to our children."
Delaware said that despite some critics, she has no regrets about ejecting the people from the parade she considered a safety concern.
Some ATV drivers stop to let the floats in front of them get ahead and then speed to catch up.
"I'm sure everyone has heard about it," she said. "Yes I did, and yes I will again. Even if we make a mistake and let you in the parade, you must stay in place. I got so many complaints about people revving their motors and getting out of place. As I proceeded to remove my boot because there was a rock in it, I also proceeded to remove the motorcycles and the ATVs from the parade. We want everyone to enjoy this Christmas parade, and the health and safety of the people enjoying the parade is of the utmost importance to us."
Another issue that has been the subject of some debate was the absence of horses in the parade. Delaware said that horses must be wearing diapers to participate in the parade.
Delaware said that because the parade is growing additional volunteers are welcomed.
"I'm ready for the next one," she said. "We're going to have a great time again."
