First Dyess parade is a success

The original Dyess Colony was founded in 1935 and many outstanding accomplishments have come to light during their 70 plus years. Never before had a Christmas parade been one of them.

Dyess citizens pride themselves in being the hometown of Johnny Cash and actually have a seasonal song he wrote about living there called "Christmas as I knew it."

In the song Cash related tough times living on the small farm, and looking toward Christmas. Money was scarce and presents even more scarce. Cash gave thanks for plenty to eat and good health. In the song Cash related the time his brother Roy cut down a pig apple tree in the woods and drug it home for a Christmas tree. Sister Reba strung popcorn to decorate the tree. He tells that he, his father and brother Jack killed a squirrel to eat, and his sister Louise made some bread. Johnny whittled a whistle for his brother Jack. His mother made the girls flower sack dresses.

Cash told of how they looked out his window and saw people across the road worse off than they were and took over a jar of coal oil for a lamp and some hickernuts, and left them on the front porch. The Cash family was so pleased to look out and see a lamplight come on in the house across the road.

Well lights came on all over Dyess Saturday night, as a grand parade rolled through the town.

Fire trucks and equipment from Dyess, Keiser, Leachville, Joiner, Wilson, and Palistine flashed their lights and tooted their horns as they left the old school complex and headed toward the center of town. A Red Hat float came from Lepanto, and antique cars and modern hot-rods followed along. Townspeople and children lined the circle near city hall and the future home of the Johnny Cash/Dyess Memorial Building downtown. Candy was thrown and children scampered to retrieve it.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus rode in the final float, complete with eight lighted reindeer and a big red sleigh. Rosemary Nichols, of Lepanto, was dressed for the occasion as Mrs. Claus and sat beside Santa, John Shipley, of Steele, Mo.

Dyess resident and memorial benefactor Gene Williams was chosen as Grand Marshall, and led the parade, riding in his large white stretch limousine.

Following the parade the city hosted a reception back at the school for children to have a chance to visit with Santa. No Dyess celebration is complete without music in the school auditorium, so the evening's festivities ended with Christmas songs.

"We are very thankful for the help of parade organizers Jerald Burns, of Palistine, and Melton Emery, of Caraway," Dyess Mayor Larry Sims said. "They had the vision for the parade and all of the people at Dyess pitched in to carry out the plans. Our people are very committed to carrying on the legacy of Dyess,and never miss an opportunity to celebrate. We hold an annual Dyess Day each year, school reunions, concerts and other programs. We look forward to the completion of our Johnny Cash Memorial and having a place for people to come and visit and see the rich history of our town."

For more information visit the Dyess website www.dyessday.com.