The Roanoke Christmas Parade of old is now called Haley Toyota's City of Roanoke Christmas Parade. It is all part of the SunTrust Dickens of a Christmas, which was once just the Dickens of a Christmas. Dickens, of course, being Charles Dickens, but, hey, who can say "no" to a bank. Or a car dealer that sells Japanese cars. In Japan, Shinto and Buddhism are the major religions.
The parade was held last night in downtown Roanoke without major incidents of violence.
(Photo: matterhorn1959.blogspot.com)
From what I understand, Toyota actually does a lot of manufacturing in the US and Canada. Still a Japanese company, but at least they are offering American jobs.
ReplyDeleteYour entire point is valid though.
Dusty: There is no such thing as a car that is completely made in America. My guess is that statement would go for any country that makes cars.
ReplyDeleteBut there is such a thing as the Camry and the Tundra...the two most American made vehicles in each of their respective market segments. But that is really not the point of your comments I suppose. Do you by chance have any suggestions for other sponsors of this event or others like them? Thanks, Chris
ReplyDeleteIt strikes me, Chris, that the parade existed for years w/o a sponsor. Is there a requirement that there be a sponsor? Does it have to make money. Is Christianity just a department store these days?
ReplyDeleteWell Dan, I'm not confident that you and I will be able to come to a compromise or agreement here. I find your points interesting but simply not realistic. So far as the parade "existing" for years...yes it did. And in fact, that is why I would think that a "sponsor" to provide additional revenue would be important. That revenue would hopefully insure the continued "growth" and "longevity" of this very important event. So far as Christianity being a department store...I'll leave that one to the experts in theology. However, the last time I went to church the tradition of a offering plate was still in place. I will hope that traditions (especailly like a Christmas Parade) aren't at risk of fading away as so many traditions do simply because anyone is opposed to supporting it with "money". Dan, maybe you can best answer a question with your many years of historical expertise that you must have. You bring up department stores...how many once lined the streets of our wonderful Downtown Roanoke and where are they now? I would suggest that if we all do more to promote "growth" rather than simply "existence" then perhaps we may all be just be a little better off.
ReplyDelete