Parade of Lights

We are just returning from our Thanksgiving break here at St. Joseph’s Indian School.  I hope everyone enjoyed their break and spending the holiday with their friends and family.  Last week, here at St. Joseph’s, a few of our staff were preparing a float to enter into the Chamberlain Parade of Lights festivities.  With the theme being, “12 Days of Christmas” our float entry was the first day of Christmas.  Does anyone remember what was asked on the first day of Christmas?

“On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…. A partridge in a pear tree.

St. Joseph's Indian School's float, "A partridge in a pear tree".
St. Joseph's Indian School's float, "A partridge in a pear tree".

There was a parade committee that gathered to put their heads together to come up with the wonderful idea for the float.  However, our facilities grounds supervisor, Foster, was what I would call the leader of the group.  Foster put in a lot of time working and building the float for the parade, along with many other facilities staff to help create his masterpiece.  The float looked wonderful all lit up, with the famous Partridge Family song “I Think I Love You” being played as they drove it down the main street of Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Some of the Native American youth here at St. Joseph’s Indian School that stayed on campus in our break home also got to help out and participate in the parade.  There were some students that got to ride on the float and some of them walked alongside and handed out dreamcatchers to all the spectators.  Can you imagine what fun it was for these children to participate in something like this?  They were able to help out and be a part of something with their “St. Joseph’s Family”.  Great fun was had by all!

‘Tis the holiday season, so we just want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays!!

– St. Joseph’s Indian School Facilities Department

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

3 thoughts on “Parade of Lights”

  1. Wow! Good for you! You should spread some of that Christmas Spirit back East. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Christmas float competition?

  2. Merry Christmas Fr. Steve, kids & staff of St. Joes. Hope all your holiday dreams come true. Have fun and return to school & work safe and sound. Hope you all stay happy and healthy.

    God Bless,

    Nancy & Kenny

  3. What a wonderful, fun way to spread the Good News … of God’s constant flow of blessings and of the thriving of the children’s traditions.
    Joyful Christmastide!

Leave a Reply to Mary J. Charbonneau Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *