AMELIA, Ohio -- The Village of Amelia has hosted a Christmas parade continually for the past 28 years, but the group that normally sponsored and organized it, couldn't this year.
Mayor Leroy Ellington said the village tried to help.
"As an 11th hour effort, the village decided to step up and continue hosting the parade as a Holiday Parade,” Ellington said.
The name change from "Christmas" to "Holiday" raised some concern for local churches.
Ellington said the result is, "Local churches removing themselves from involvement and not allowing us to use their property.”
Area church leaders could not be reached for comment, but people visiting the voting polls at Amelia Baptist Church said plenty.
Sue Blockberger-Miller lives in Peirce Township.
"It needs to be a Christmas Parade,” she said. “That's what we're here as Christians for, and that's what it's all about."
Jim Dotzhauer, of West Chester said, "I agree. I just think that sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in.”
Phil Dever said, "I don't know why all the churches around here don't get together and form a consortium or whatever."
The mayor said, "As Leroy Ellington the citizen: I am in favor of a Christmas Parade."
However, as mayor he worries about separation of church and state legalities.
The parade is being formed by a private party and the committee continues to try to get sponsors.
The group has until November 27 to apply for a permit to have the parade on December 12.
If you would like to help you may email Michelle at: recreation@ameliavillage.com
