Hurricane Won’t Stop Red Ribbon Parade

By Shelley Marmor

BIG CYPRESS — The annual Big Cypress Red Ribbon parade, originally scheduled for Oct. 21, took place on Dec. 2. Hurricane Wilma postponed this event, however after the weather subsided the floats made their way down Snake Road past many onlookers as planned.

This year’s theme was “Plant the Promise.”

Departments represented in the parade include: the Big Cypress Chairman’s and President’s Offices, Emergency Services, Rock Pit, Clinic, Billie Swamp Safari, Housing, SPD and Ahfachkee, to name a few. Seminole Royalty including Miss Seminole Christine McCall and Mr. Ahfachkee Raul Alvarez and Ms. Ahfachkee Kaylynn Pewo also rode in the parade.

Big Cypress Board Representative Paul Bowers Sr. was the parade’s grand marshal. He rode his horse down the parade route along with other Tribal department representatives including Assistant Physical Fitness Director Carmen Arango.

Following the parade many made their way to the gym for a lunch and awards ceremony presentation. Assistant Recreation Director Stan Frischman emceed the event. Reverend Salaw Hummingbird offered invocation and a few words on staying drug free to the attendees.

“Everyone has experienced drugs, some a little, some a lot,” he said. “I’m glad I’ve overcome the temptation of drugs.”

Family Service’s Tony Roberts announced the winners of various contests, including the door contest, poster contest and of course the parade float contest. Results follow.

Poster Contest: 1–4 Grades: 1. Symphony Osceola, 2. Corbin Billie, 3. Gloria Brooks; 5–8 Grades: 1. Hailee Jumper, 2. Jessica Lopez, 3. Shevon Gooden-Harden; 9–12 Grades: 1. Justin Willis, 2. Trisha Walker.

Essay Contest: 1–4 Grades: 1. Mallory Baker, 2. Terry Baker, 3. Derrick Tiger; 5–8 Grades: 1. Kanna Baker, 2. Stevie Billie, 3. Raul Alvarez.

Door Contest: Community: 1. Toi Andrews, 2. Carol Pawa, 3. Thomas and Jane Billie; Departmental: 1. Gym, 2. President’s Office, 3. Family Services.

Float Contest: 1. Recreation, 2. Family Services, 3. Chairman’s Office, 4. Community Center, 5. Cattle and Range.

Crissie Carter from the Big Cypress Program Development Team then announced the winners of a raffle. Results follow.

Digital Camera: Andre Landon and Toi Andrews; iPod: Courtney Cypress and James Billie; PSP: Jessica L. and Esther Buster; Barnes & Nobel Gift Card: Tomaynn Billie and Eileen Waggerby; Laptop: Dalton Kones and Juanita Osceola.