The Christmas spirit came to the Nix-Stilton Road and New Brookland communities Sunday afternoon as they gathered for their first-ever Christmas parade.

Hundreds gathered along the road to share the delights, sights and sounds of Christmas.

"We want to bring about a sense of togetherness," said George Scott, who lives on Belleville Road. The parade is a sign "We are trying to get together and improve it for those not aware of it and to encourage those who may not be participating."

Scott says he has noticed a change in the community already as a result of the efforts to improve it.

"The streets are cleaner and some of the community members are more mindful of being watchful for others," Scott said. "We want the ones not acting to take notice and see the community is on the move. Come join in."

The parade, sponsored by the New Brookland Community, started near Jamison Pharmacy and ended at the former Nix Elementary School.

Laughing and smiling children and wishes of Merry Christmas brightened the overcast day.

There was exited chatter about what little presents Santa may bring as well as "ooohs" and "ahhs" about the passing parade.

John Haigler, a resident of Lawton Road for more than 30 years, said he has seen many changes during his time.

"This is one of the main things we want to instill in the young children: to better themselves, change their attitude and to think positively," Haigler said. "We can bring out a better insight into the young children's minds."

The parade included Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams, state Rep. Jerry Govan and Orangeburg County Council members Janie Cooper, Clyde Livingston and Willie B. Owens.

Cooper, who represents the communities, expressed her pleasure about the parade.

"There are many people in this community who are elderly and who do not have transportation," she said. "Instead of them going to a parade, the parade is coming to them. ... It is community-orientated and it shows what people can do when they come together for the benefit of those who cannot go outside their community."

Parade grand marshals were Carl Kennedy and Dr. Robert E. Howard, who were honored for their service to Orangeburg with a plaque. J.B. Hunt was also honored.

Williams said residents' determination to come together has improved the neighborhood.

"I have seen a positive difference in the community with all the good things going on," Williams said. "We are fighting back by showing that we care."

"Anytime a community can come together, ... it is a nice idea and it shows pride in the community," said Thomasine Wolfe, community activist and daughter of the late Deacon Thomas Green who purchased a plot of land on McLaine Drive in 1957.

Harry Govan, a community resident all his life, said the parade is another step in the community's progress.

"Everything we are trying to do is to have a more positive impact on the community," Govan said. The area came together for a "Community Fun Day" in September.

"We are hoping this is just the beginning of positive things," he said.

About a year ago, some local residents came together to form the Nix-Stilton Community Improvement Organization in an effort to clean up their streets after they discovered there were plans to locate a waste-collection site near the neighborhood.

Community leaders put their collective vision together and convinced Orangeburg County to allow the community to build a playground/park that would include swings, a baseball diamond, concessions and several other amenities. Hopes are the project will come to fruition next year.

The organization has expressed appreciation for Orangeburg County in tearing down abandoned buildings, but landowners have taken it upon themselves to better the community for future generations. Committees have been set up to oversee beautification and foster community pride.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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