Robbinsville – As the town’s annual Christmas parade nears, the Robbinsville Tourism Authority has planned to invite a healthcare worker to serve as its grand marshal, in honor of work being done by healthcare workers in the county and throughout the world doing the COVID-19 pandemic.
At its Nov. 24 meeting, the authority announced that some of the local health workers being considered for the role include Dr. Patricia Johnson of the Tallulah Health Center, Graham County EMS Director Larry Hembree and Graham County Health Director Beth Booth.
If none of those listed agree to serve as grand marshal, the authority will look to other health workers in the area. The parade rolls at 6 p.m. on Dec. 12.
When board member Karen Taylor expressed concerns about the ties of some of the proposed grand marshals to Robbinsville, member Dirk Cody said he believed the parade was a bigger deal.
“This is just my view, but the Christmas parade is a lot bigger than just the town, even though the town puts it on,” Cody said.
The board also discussed the possibility of a worker from Graham Nursing & Rehabilitation Services serve as grand marshal. The home has recently overcome a large-scale outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
However, Cody again expressed concerns about some issue facing the home and its perception in the community.
“It probably wouldn’t be the most popular pick because of some things that have happened there,” Cody said.
“It was beyond their control, but still, there’s some potential lawsuits and everything happening.”