Saint Mary Parish youth group float wins award for best theme in Ogden City Parade

Intermountain Catholic

+ Enlarge

Saint Mary Parish Youth Group wins Best Theme in the Ogden City Christmas Parade Nov. 29. The Parade went down Washington Blvd. from 20th Street to 27th Street. Youth group member Abby Lathem, 12, said she enjoyed helping make the float and it was the first time she ever got to ride on one. IC photo by Christine Young

OGDEN — The Saint Mary Parish Youth Group was awarded Best Theme in the Ogden City Christmas Parade Nov. 29.

"The kids could not believe we won," said Lisa Mendez, Saint Mary Youth Group director. "We had people coming up and telling us what a great job we did and for knowing what Christmas is about. We had people taking pictures of our float while it was parked on 25th Street."

The parade began on 20th Street and continued down Washington Blvd. to 27th Street to the Mall where the lights were lit and Santa greeted the children.

The youth group however took the Christian spirit of Christmas. Their theme was "Tis the Season to be Thankful." On top of their float was the American flag and a cross of the risen Jesus.

"Only two people have died for us," said Mendez. "The American soldier and Jesus Christ. The youth group all wore sweatshirts that read "There was only two that have died for us, one being Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, and the American soldier who died for our freedom. We had a family ride on the back of our float to represent their loved one being gone to war."

Mendez said they started working on the float three weeks before Thanksgiving. The youth group would help on the weekends, and during their Thanksgiving break. The week of Thanksgiving was really a big push to get the float ready for the parade.

"We had to have some manpower to anchor the cross and anchor down the flag. Nicole Jamieson, youth leader, sewed the flag," said Mendez. "Dawn Gribble is another youth leader who helped a great deal on the float as did many of the parents. It was a great community project."