Did you watch the Macy’s 94th Thanksgiving Day Parade? It’s always been a “must” on this holiday. Bringing a needed festive and happy mood, it was welcomed in a year overshadowed by covid-19. No bystanders, but the bands played on! Marching were the West Point, NYC Police and Fire Department Bands bringing familiar patriotic and Christmas music. Ushering in the holiday season, the lineup included large entertainers, suspended blow-ups and scenes from Broadway shows all showered with colorful confetti.

Most interesting were the gigantic bowling ball and shoes suggesting “go bowling”! Always popular were the famed New York Rockettes with precision and style. A year like no other, everyone needed this uplifting and entertaining event!

Following Thanksgiving’s food feast, ballgames and Zoom calls is shopping! Black Friday and Cyber Monday offered the best sale prices. It was a time to purchase from your list of wanted gifts. Online shopping will be greater this year due to the covid-19 threat of visiting crowded malls.

Hopefully family gatherings will not present a virus surge. Continue wearing masks, washing hands and distancing. We welcome the upcoming vaccinations.

ROBIN BOWERS and Lauren Palkowski of Mission Lexington report the Lexington Police Department assisted with distribution of holiday turkeys and produce bags Nov. 23 and 24. This was made possible by Serve and Connect which improve relations with law enforcement and their communities.

Mission Lexington assists families and individuals with life essentials, resources and guidance. They meet over 30,000 needs in Lexington County each year. These range from helping an elderly couple with food to funeral expenses for a child. Visit wwwlmissionlexingtonsc.org or call 803-957-6656.

LEXINGTON COUNTY Museum Director JR Fennel and Friends President Dan Koon report only the outside of buildings will be decorated this year due to the pandemic. Decorating with swags and wreaths will be on Dec. 12. Normally, there is a well attended Open House with buildings dressed in natural greens and warm cider to sip.

JOIN THE Town of Lexington for the Snowball Festival Carnival Dec. 5 with hand painting, a balloon artist, rides and more.

This year’s event will have free tickets for 1 hour time slots to help allow the safest experience possible. All attendees 2 years of age and older must have a ticket. The festival concludes with the tree lighting in downtown Lexington.

The Town of Lexington and the Lexington Jaycees annual Christmas Parade will be at 3 pm Dec. 6 on Main Street from Haygood Avenue to Lake Drive.

A SPECIAL birthday drive-thru was last Friday for Betty Harmon who celebrated her 90th. Sitting in front of her home, she was surrounded by son Chris and Nikki Harmon and their children and her daughter, Patricia. Balloons marked Betty’s seat as friends drove by with signs, honks and many happy birthday wishes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dianna Barefoot, Haidee Stith, Louisa Brunson, Bill Linder, Vicki Jorgensen, Chip Brantley, Rod Dooley, Debbie Walker, Cynthia Hennigan, Ralph Haggard, Kerri Brittingham, Chuck Corley, Holly Gamble, Nolan Rish, Shannon Wessinger, Thomas Brunson, Debbie Height, Hannah Niver, Caroline Tucker, Meghan Tucker, Travis Gordon, Allen Kirksey, Peter Mondeel, Maura Ross, Jennifer Harper, Erica Waites, Hailey Williamson, Paula Calhoon, Graceanne Crumpton, Todd Bryant, Katie Dawkins, Michael Hersey, Anna Catherine Derrick, Paula Jacobs, Robert Roemer, William Dock, Hazel Moore, Stephen Reagan, Dieter Klose, Nancy Lipski, Rachel Maxwell, Wayne Brazell, Robin Bowers and Ronnie Cromer.

Belated November birthdays are Debbie Gantt, Virginia Smith, Tommy Thompson and Rozella Singleton.