Because of incidents which happened during the past few years at the Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade, the Chumuckla Athletic Association, (CAA), voted Monday to cancel this year's festivities. Renee Melvin, president of CAA, said they have been working on this decision for about a year.
"Since the Bonfire Jam became a feature event," said Melvin, "we've dealt with alcohol issues, vulgarity, vandalizing, fighting, and a tremendous amount of litter. However, the Redneck Christmas Parade was created to be a family event to raise money for community charity and events."
Melvin said both local businesses and residents have had major issues during the parade in recent years. "I used to come to the parade and bring my family before I became a part of the association. I wouldn't bring my children now," she said.
In an effort to clarify social media postings, Melzin said the CAA by no means think rednecks are trashy. "People who consider themselves rednecks come from all walks of life," she said.
Melvin said CAA paid Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office $3,000 per year for the one day event for security, but it was ineffective in controlling the crowd. "It's gotten out of hand," she said.
As for the charity work the CAA performs, Melvin said it will continue through another avenue. Through the parade, Redneck Caring at Christmas benevolence gave 50 plus children Christmas every year, spending anywhere between $2,000 to $6,000 on gifts and community charity. Since the parade is cancelled, she said the Chumuckla Redneck Mud Run will happen November 1 and the proceeds will go toward their Christmas benevolence. For more information on the run visit Chumucklaredneckrun.net.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Chumuckla Redneck Parade cancelled