Epps and Wolfe to serve as Grand Marshals for Christmas Parade

Published 8:00 pm Sunday, October 1, 2017

Contributed

Carl Von Epps and Ricky Wolfe, two local leaders who have worked to build community for decades, most recently as the founding partners of the Racial Trustbuilding initiative, will serve as the Grand Marshals for the 41st Annual LaGrange Christmas Parade on Nov. 30.

The theme for this year’s parade, “Let There be Peace on Earth,” was inspired by the 1955 song that has become a signature composition devoted to world peace and harmony among peoples.

“Carl and Ricky are both representative of the collaborative spirit that is needed to foster peace and harmony in our community,” said parade coordinator LeTisha Smith.

Carl Von Epps served as the District 132 state representative for more than 20 years in the Georgia House and has more than 35 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur and businessman. He is pastor of Smith Chapel United Methodist Church in Newnan, Georgia.

Ricky Wolfe is a native of Troup County who returned home after a successful business career.  He served two terms as Chairman of the Troup County Commission and remains active in the community.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. as Epps and Wolfe lead the array of floats and marching units from Granger Park to downtown LaGrange along Church Street, down Bull Street and return up Main Street past Lafayette Square on its way back to the starting point.

The parade features floats, marching bands and a special guest appearance from Santa Claus to kick off the holiday season. Parade applications are available online at the Chamber’s website, www.lagrangechamber.com/special-events or at the Chamber office located at 111 Bull Street in downtown LaGrange.

There is a $40 registration fee for each parade unit and an unwrapped Christmas toy. All toys will be donated to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign for Troup County. Applications must be submitted, with entry fee and toy, by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17.

For more information, visit www.lagrangtechamber.com or contact LeTisha Smith at (706) 884-8671 or letisha@lagrangechamber.com.