McComb Mayor Zach Patterson concluded Tuesday’s city board meeting by voicing concerns regarding the judging of the floats in Saturday’s McComb Christmas parade.
“I have some questions based upon that I did, in fact, personally view each and every one of those participants in the parade and I saw the results in the paper, without being specific, results of the finishing,” he said. “I have some questions about the judging. I have some questions about the criteria set up by the judges, etc. I will be questioning these issues with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce chairperson.”
The winners for best commercial float were Bright Minds Learning Center, first place; Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, second place; and RNR Audio, third place. Best float cars were The Dance Studio, first place; National Guard Family Readiness Group, second place; and Kelly M.B. Church, third place. Participants with the best cars and trucks were North Pike Junior High School cheerleaders, first place; Magnolia Sunflower, second place; and Girl Scout Troop No. 44, third place.
“I want to make sure that all of those who participate in that parade and take the time out to participate and enter floats and enter vehicles. I want to make sure that they all have a fair chance to make sure they do place and get some recognition for their efforts and work,” Patterson said.
“That’s not to take anything from those that were judged to be first-, second- and third-place finishers in the three categories, but I have some serious questions based on what I observed. I want to make sure the judging is open to all and make sure the rules that apply are published well ahead of time.”
Chamber parade director Tammy Menard said the rules and criteria are published ahead of time, and given to parade participants.
“We tell them the vehicles and floats have to be fully decorated, and they have to have the Christmas theme (Journey through Christmas past) on the float or vehicle itself,” Menard said. “They sign a form that tells them what the criteria is — creativity, difficulty and attractiveness — and they also take a copy of it home with them so they can show it to anyone that is decorating it with them.”
Menard said the speed of the participants can also affect their scores.
“I have been told by judges in past that some people drive by too quickly or they don’t have signs on vehicles, so it is difficult to judge whenever those circumstances arise.”
Patterson was not specific on the judges’ shortcomings, but did say he wants to see a more interactive process.
“Some of the things I will talk about to the chamber of commerce are suggestions to give an opportunity to those citizens who attend the parade, to give them an opportunity to participate in the judging. Why not have those who observe the parade look at the criteria and participate as well?”
