By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
The Vida Christmas Parade in Autauga County will roll at 2 p.m. Dec. 21. If you have never attended, you may want to add this to your list of Holiday Happiness Adventures.
The annual Christmas Parade draws people from across the state. Many people, no matter where they are currently living, come back for this parade. Over the years it has become a big part of the heartbeat of this small community. There are vibrant floats, tractors, trucks, beautiful old cars and more fire trucks than you can “shake a stick at.” Overseeing it all are deputies with the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office and multiple volunteers.
In speaking of the line of fire trucks, they come particularly from the smaller, completely volunteer fire departments that are filled with men and women who work full-time jobs. But in the blink of an eye, they converge wherever one of their neighbors needs help, even if they are just coming off a long shift. During the parade, the horns and sirens blare through the air as children’s eyes open wide and they clap with excitement. Most of these smaller communities in Autauga County don’t have their own parade, but come parade day in Vida, participants come and put on a show.
Vida is a relatively quiet place. When sirens are heard outside of parade day, the community grapevine is better at spreading the news or summoning help than you can imagine. They know each other. They love each other. They support each other. We sure could use more of that today.
In the parade there are horses, and off-road vehicles, princesses, and always a few surprises. There is a sense of patriotism, and community. Following the parade, traditionally there is a lunch where everyone in the parade is invited at no charge at the Vida Community Center.
There is a camp stew sale as well. And it is really good. The EAN vouches for it. There is also a Boston Butt and Chicken sale, but we encourage pre-orders as it sells out fast.
The Community Center is a testament to the ingenuity and work ethic of this small, but mighty population. The residents and family members built it from the ground up, creating a happy ending to a longtime dream. Today it serves as a multi-purpose facility.
People really do come from all over the state to show support of this event. It is a very popular spot for hopeful politicians who like to linger and talk about the state of affairs. If you want to know how someone really feels about something, find an older Vida resident. They are straight-talking, very direct, and honest – something that we adore.
