Hundreds of players, parents, grandparents, siblings and fans turned out Saturday to honor the many teams from Columbia that participated in Dixie Youth and Dixie Softball World Series this year.
The parade began at the parking lot of the Piggly Wiggly on Mississippi 13 North and made its way through the crowds downtown. Players on the floats tossed candy and Mardi Gras beads along the way.
The parade ended at City Hall where teams and fans gathered at the Pearl River Interpretive Plaza for a brief ceremony. Mayor Justin McKenzie kicked things off.
“We’re proud of all of you and your achievements,” he said.
District 2 Constable Robbie Gill opened the ceremony in prayer and Dixie Youth State Director Tommy Rheams spoke to the teams before they were introduced by their coaches.
“I appreciate all of you parents,” he said. “I know you spent a lot of time and money going off to these tournaments. But it’s about our kids. As long as you keep the kids first, everything will be great.”
Rheams spoke of several teams that excelled in the tournament.
“I’m super proud of our 8-year-old team that went to Cleveland and won the AA Machine Pitch World Series,” he said. “I’m glad they went because they came out victorious. Our 6-year-old team that went to Ruston came back champs and did a great job. Some of our teams didn’t have as many victories, but they played hard and did what they were supposed to do. I’m proud of all of them. I appreciate all of you being here. Thanks, and see you next year.”
After the teams were introduced, players, parents and families adjourned to City Hall for cake and cold beverages.
“We wanted to honor these teams for what they did this year,” McKenzie said. “We’re glad everybody took time out of their day to help us celebrate these kids.”
Pictured Above: World Series team floats make their way down Main Street during Saturday’s parade. | Photo by Mark Rogers
