“It’s just a huge honor and a huge surprise,” said Smith, owner of N.L. Smithworks, a graphic design company. “I had no idea I was being considered for this. I am really, really thrilled.”
Smith was named grand marshal of the parade at an annual breakfast Tuesday morning at the Coosa Country Club. When introducing Smith, Christmas in Rome Committee member Janet Byington cited a few of her accomplishments.
Smith has served on the board for the Heritage Riverways Foundation as well as on the United Way board of directors. She works with the Chiaha Harvest Fair, has served on the board of directors of the Rome Area History Museum and has served as the president of the Rome Area Council for the Arts. She currently serves as that body’s secretary.
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve the community,” Smith said. “Rome is such a great place.”
Smith served as the promotions and marketing director of Riverbend Mall for 15 years, where she helped get Saint Nick to Greater Rome. “It’s kind of ironic that I’ll be leading Santa Claus down Broad Street,” Smith said.
This year’s parade will feature about 100 floats, Byington said, though there are still spaces available for those who want to sign up. Applications can be found at the Carnegie building next to City Hall on Broad Street.
“Come join 25,000 of your nearest and dearest friends,” Byington said.
The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on Broad Street. Parade floats should line up on First Avenue at 5:30 p.m.
The parade culminates at City Hall, where Kriss Kringle will wave his wand and light the city’s Christmas tree.
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